Xanthoma (Greek=xanthos meaning yellow) is a condition in which fat builds up under the surface of the skin. Xanthoma is also known as xanthelasma, xanthomata or xanthomatosis. The growth is non-cancerous and painless but may be a sign of another medical condition. Xanthomas are not contagious nor are they harmful.
A xanthoma looks like a sore or bump under the skin. It's usually flat, soft to the touch and yellow in color. It has sharp, distinct edges. Xanthomas vary in size. Some are very small, while others are bigger than three 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.
Xanthomas are common, particularly among older adults and people with high blood lipids. They may be a sign of a medical condition that involves an increase in blood lipids. Such conditions include:
• Certain cancers
• Inherited metabolic disorders such as familial hypercholesterolemia
• Primary biliary cirrhosis
Also, 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.
If you have a disease that causes increased blood lipids, treating the condition may help reduce the development of xanthomas.
If the growth bothers you, your doctor may remove it. However, xanthomas may come back after surgery. The growth may cause a change in how you look. This is called cosmetic disfiguring.
Call your health care provider if xanthomas develop. They may indicate an underlying disorder that needs treatment.
Control of blood lipids, including triglycerides and cholesterol levels, may help to reduce development of xanthomas.
Your health care provider will examine the skin. Usually, a diagnosis of xanthoma can be made by looking at your skin. A biopsy of the growth will show a fatty deposit. You may have blood tests done to check lipid levels, liver function, and for diabetes.
The main aim of treatment for xanthomas that are associated with an underlying lipid disorder is to identify and treat the lipid disorder. In many cases, treating the underlying disorder will reduce or resolve the xanthomas. In addition, treating hyperlipidaemia will reduce the risk of heart disease, and treating hypertriglyceridaemia will prevent pancreatitis. Dietary and lifestyle modifications with or without medication are used to treat lipid disorders.
Surgery can be used to remove xanthomas that do not resolve spontaneously or with treatment of the underlying cause. In severe cases, Xanthoma disseminatum affecting vital organ functions may be treated by chemotherapy drugs or radiotherapy.
Treatments for xanthelasmas include:
• Topical trichloroacetic acid
• Laser vaporisation
Mc Ortega is the former publicist for the late Walter Payton, Coca-Cola and Dunkin’ Donuts. Ortega is a senior communications and messaging executive specializing in media relations, social media, program development and crisis communications. Also, Ortega is an avid traveler and international shopper. Ortega resides with her partner, Craig, dog, Fionne and extensive shoe collection. Ortega also enjoys jewelry design/production and flamenco dancing.