A xanthoma (pronounced zan-tho-muh) is a tough, painless, non-cancerous, deposit of fat that develops beneath the skin. Xanthomas are also composed of cells in the connective tissues known as histiocytes. A cell is the smallest, most basic unit of life, that is capable of existing by itself. Histiocytes are capable of surrounding and digesting tiny organisms and waste from cells. Cells carry out the chemical processes that are necessary for life to exist.
WHAT DO XANTHOMAS LOOK LIKE?
Xanthomas can appear pink, yellow, or skin-colored. Xanthomas take the appearance of plaques, nodules, or tumors. Plaques and nodules are both areas on or in the body that appear different from other tissue, with nodules and tumors appearing more swollen. Tumors are tissues that grow more rapidly than normal. Xanthomas can be very small or as large as three inches. A picture of xanthomas is presented below:
WHERE DO XANTHOMAS OCCUR?
Xanthomas can occur anywhere on the body, but are commonly found on the knees, elbows, hands, feet, buttocks, joints, and tendons (groups of fibers that attach muscles to a bone).
WHAT CAUSES XANTHOMAS?
Abnormal levels of fat in the blood usually lead to the development of xanthomas. Specifically, xanthomas are characterized by a buildup of chemical substances in the body known as cholesterol and cholesterol esters. Cholesterol is a waxy, fatty substance found only in animal tissues. Cholesterol esters are a group of fatty substances formed by the bonding of alcohol and one or more types of acids that contain the element, carbon. When there is too much fat in the blood, specialized cells in the skin and tissues "eat" some of the extra fat. As the fat builds up, xanthomas appear and become larger.
HOW ARE XANTHOMAS TREATED?
Xanthomas can be removed with surgery, but they may reappear. If there are any underlying disorders that are contributing to the development of xanthomas, the goal will also be to treat the underlying condition. Adjusting the diet to control the level of fats and cholesterol in the blood is another approach that doctors often use to treat xanthomas. It is nearly impossible, however, to eliminate all fat or cholesterol from the diet. Thus, a low fat diet, as opposed to a no fat diet, is the most realistic option. Exercise is also an important aspect of treatment because it can decrease the level of fat in the blood.
WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF THE TERM, "XANTHOMA"?
Xanthoma comes from the Greek word "xanthos" meaning "yellow," and the Greek word "oma" meaning "tumor." Put the two words together and you have "yellow tumor."
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