Xanthoma

Xanthoma
Photograph of patient's hands showing multiple xanthoma tendinosum. Kumar et al. Cases Journal 2008
ICD-10	E78.2 (ILDS E78.280), K13.4
ICD-9	272.2
DiseasesDB	28524
MeSH	D014973

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

A xanthoma (or xanthomata or xanthomatosis) (from Greek xanthos, ξανθος, "yellow") is a deposition of yellowish cholesterol-rich material in tendons and other body parts in various disease states:

• Tendon xanthomas (associated with familial hypercholesterolemia, cerebrotendineous xanthomatosis and phytosterolemia]
• Palmar xanthomas
• Eruptive xanthomas
• Tubo-eruptive xanthoma
• Xanthoma tuberosum

Types

Xanthelasma

Main article: Xanthelasma

A xanthelasma is a sharply demarcated yellowish collection of cholesterol underneath the skin, usually on or around the eyelids. Strictly, a xanthelasma is a distinct condition, only being called a xanthoma when becoming larger and nodular, assuming tumorous proportions. Still, it is often classified simply as a subtype of xanthoma.

Xanthoma tuberosum

Xanthoma tuberosum is characterized by xanthomas located over the joints.

Xanthoma tendinosum

Xanthoma tendinosum (also known as "Tendinous xanthoma") is clinically characterized by papules and nodules found in the tendons of the hands.

Eruptive xanthoma

Eruptive xanthoma (ILDS E78.220) is clinically characterized by small, yellowish-orange to reddish-brown papules that appear all over the body.

Xanthoma planum

Xanthoma planum (ILDS D76.370), also known as "Plane xanthoma", is clinically characterized by macules and plaques spread diffusely over large areas of the body.

Palmar xanthoma

Palmar xanthoma is clinically characterized by yellowish plaques that involve the palms and flexural surfaces of the fingers. Plane 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.

Tuberoeruptive xanthoma

Tuberoeruptive xanthoma (ILDS E78.210) is clinically characterized by red papules and nodules that appear inflamed and tend to coalesce. Tuberous xanthomas are considered similar, and within the same disease spectrum as tuberoeruptive xanthomas.

Differential Diagnosis of Underlying Causes of Xanthoma

In alphabetical order.

• Alagille syndrome
• Amyloidosis
• Biliary Cirrhosis
• Cholestanol storage disease
• Chronic bile duct disease
• Chronic pancreatitis
• Diabetes Mellitus
• Glycogenosis type 1a aka von Gierke disease aka Glucose-6-phosphatase deficiency aka Glycogen storage disease type 1a
• Hand-Schüller-Christian disease
• Hypercholesterolemia
• Hypertriglyceridemia
• Juvenile xanthogranuloma
• Myxedema
• Nephrotic Syndrome
• Urticaria pigmentosa

See also

• xanthelasma
• pseudoxanthoma elasticum

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