Xanthoma

A xanthoma is a deposition of yellowish cholesterol-rich material in anywhere of body parts, but typically develop on both the joints and tendons in various disease states can include:

·         Diabetes

• Hyperlipidemia: high blood cholesterol levels
• Metabolic disorders: These are genetic conditions affecting body’s ability to break down chemicals and maintain life. Examples include porphyria, Krabbe disease, or congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
• Cancer: a type of condition in which malignant cells grow at an uncontrolled rate
• Cirrhosis: scarring of the liver

Risk Factors for Xanthoma

In addition to the medical conditions described above, there are other risk factors that may increase your chances of developing xanthoma including:

·         High cholesterol or triglyceride levels can increase your risk of xanthoma, as can being an older adult.

Diagnosis of Xanthoma

·          Blood tests may be ordered to check your blood lipid levels,

·          Monitor your liver function, and rule out diabetes.

·         A skin biopsy, which involves laboratory examination of a small skin tissue sample, can definitively confirm a fatty deposit.

Treatment of Xanthoma

·         Treating the medical condition that is causing the xanthoma is necessary to get rid of the deposits of fat under the skin and minimize the likelihood that they will return.

·         Diabetes and metabolic disorders that are well controlled are less likely to cause xanthoma.

·         Surgical removal, laser surgery, or chemical treatment with trichloroacetic acid.

·         Xanthomas can return after treatment, so these are not necessarily curative.

Prevention of Xanthoma

·         This condition may not be completely preventable, but there are steps you can take to decrease your chances of developing xanthoma.

·          If you have a metabolic disorder, follow your doctor’s instructions about how to treat and manage it.

·         See your healthcare provider for regular checkups.

·         Keep your blood lipids and cholesterol at an appropriate level

·         Getting regular blood work done to check these levels can help you keep your lipid and cholesterol levels in check.