Xanthoma

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z

Xanthoma, eruptive - close-up

Xanthoma - close-up

Xanthoma - close-up

Xanthoma on the knee

Xanthelasma and xanthoma are skin conditions where fat is deposited under the surface of the skin.

Skin growths - fatty; Xanthelasma 

Xanthomas are common skin disorders, particularly among older adults and persons with elevated blood lipids (fat levels).

Xanthomas are deposits of fatty materials under the surface of the skin ranging in size from very small to more than 3 inches in diameter. They may be a symptom of metabolic disorders that are linked with an increase in blood lipids. Such conditions include diabetes, primary biliary cirrhosis, some types of cancer, and inherited metabolic disorders such as  familial hypercholesterolemia. They may appear anywhere on the body, most commonly on the elbows, joints, tendons, knees, hands, feet, or buttocks.

Xanthelasma palpebra is a common type of xanthoma that appears on the eyelids.

Review Date: 07/22/2005
Reviewed By: Jonathan Kantor, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.