Xanthoma | |
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A patient's knee showing multiplexanthoma tuberosum[1] | |
Specialty | Gastroenterology,dermatology ![]() |
Axanthoma (pl.xanthomas orxanthomata) (condition:xanthomatosis) is a deposition of yellowishcholesterol-rich material that can appear anywhere in the body in various disease states.[2] They are cutaneous manifestations oflipidosis in whichlipids accumulate in largefoam cells within the skin.[2] They are associated withhyperlipidemias, both primary and secondary types.[citation needed]
Tendon xanthomas are associated with type II hyperlipidemia, chronicbiliary tract obstruction,primary biliary cirrhosis,sitosterolemia and the rare metabolic diseasecerebrotendineous xanthomatosis. Palmar xanthomata and tuberoeruptive xanthomata (over knees and elbows) occur in type III hyperlipidemia.[citation needed]
The term xanthoma stems from Greek ξανθός (xanthós) 'yellow', and -ωμα -oma, a suffix forming nouns indicating a mass or tumor.[citation needed]
Axanthelasma is a sharply demarcated yellowish collection of cholesterol underneath the skin, usually on or around theeyelids. Strictly, a xanthelasma is a distinct condition, being called a xanthoma only when becoming larger and nodular, assuming tumorous proportions.[3] Still, it is often classified simply as a subtype of xanthoma.[4]
Xanthoma tuberosum (also known as tuberous xanthoma) is characterized by xanthomas located over tuberosity of the joints.[2]: 530
Xanthoma tendinosum (also tendon xanthoma or tendinous xanthoma[5]) is clinically characterized bypapules and nodules found in the tendons of the hands, feet, and heel.[2]: 531 Also associated withfamilial hypercholesterolemia (FH).[6]
Eruptive xanthoma (ILDS E78.220) is clinically characterized by small, yellowish-orange to reddish-brownpapules surrounded by anerythematous halo that appear suddenly all over the body, especially the hands, buttocks, and the extensor surfaces of the extremities.[2]: 531 It tends to be associated with elevated triglycerides.[7]
Xanthoma planum (ILDS D76.370), also known as plane xanthoma, is clinically characterized by bands or rectangular plates (macules) and plaques in the dermis spread diffusely over large areas of the body.[2]: 531
Palmar xanthoma is clinically characterized by yellowish plaques that involve the palms and flexural surfaces of the fingers.[2]: 531 Palmar xanthomas are characterised by yellowish to orange, flat macules or slightly elevated plaques, often with a central white area which may be localised or generalised. They often arise in the skin folds, especially the palmar creases. They occur in hyperlipoproteinaemia type III and type IIA, and in association with biliary cirrhosis. The presence of palmar xanthomata, like the presence of tendinous xanthomata, is indicative of hypercholesterolaemia.[citation needed]
Tuberoeruptive xanthoma (ILDS E78.210) is clinically characterized by red papules and nodules that appear inflamed and tend to coalesce.[2]: 532 Tuberous xanthomata are considered similar, and within the same disease spectrum as eruptive xanthomata.[5]
Other types of xanthoma identified in the Medical Dictionary include:[8]