Xanthoma

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Xanthoma, eruptive - close-up

Xanthoma - close-up

Xanthoma - close-up

Xanthoma on the knee

Xanthoma is a skin condition in which fat builds up under the surface of the skin.

Skin growths - fatty; Xanthelasma

Xanthomas are common, particularly among older adults and people with high blood lipids.

Xanthomas vary in size. Some are very small, while others are bigger than 3 inches in diameter. They may appear anywhere on the body, but are most often seen on the elbows, joints, tendons, knees, hands, feet, or buttocks.

They may be a sign of a medical condition that involves an increase in blood lipids. Such conditions include:

• Certain cancers
• Diabetes
• Inherited metabolic disorders such as familial hypercholesterolemia
• Primary biliary cirrhosis

Xanthelasma palpebra, a common type of xanthoma that appears on the eyelids and may occur without any underlying medical condition, is not necessarily associated with elevated cholesterol or lipids.

Review Date: 08/26/2009
Reviewed By: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network; Linda Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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