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Xanthoma - Treatment

Alternative Names

Skin growths - fatty; Xanthelasma

Treatment:

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.

Expectations (prognosis):

The growth is non-cancerous and painless, but may be a sign of another medical condition.

Complications:

The growth may cause a change in how you look. This is called cosmetic disfiguring.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if xanthomas develop. They may indicate an underlying disorder that needs treatment.

Xanthoma, eruptive - close-up

Xanthoma - close-up

Xanthoma on the knee

Reviewed last on: 8/26/2009
Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network; Linda Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Errors in Metabolism. James WD, Berger TG, Elston DM, eds. Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. 10th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2005: chap 26.

Massengale WT, Nesbitt LT Jr. Xanthomas. In: Bolognia JL, Jorizzo JL, Rapini RP, eds.: Dermatology. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2008: chap 91.

Semenkovich CF. Disorders of Lipid Metabolism. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier. 2007: chap 217.

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