Xanthoma Overview
Learn About Xanthoma
Xanthoma is a skin condition in which certain fats build up under the surface of the skin.
Skin growths - fatty; Xanthelasma
Xanthomas are common, especially among older adults and people with high blood lipids (fats). Xanthomas vary in size. Some are very small. Others are bigger than 3 inches (in) or 7.5 centimeters (cm) in diameter. They may appear anywhere on the body. But, they are most often seen on the elbows, joints, tendons, knees, hands, feet, or buttocks.
Xanthomas may be a sign of a medical condition that involves an increase in blood lipids (fats). Such conditions include:
- Certain cancers
- Diabetes
- High blood cholesterol levels
- Inherited metabolic disorders, such as familial hypercholesterolemia
- Scarring of the liver due to blocked bile ducts (primary biliary cirrhosis)
- Inflammation and swelling of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
- Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
Xanthelasma palpebra is a common type of xanthoma that appears on the eyelids. It usually occurs without any underlying medical condition.
Some xanthomas look like a yellow to orange bump (papule) with defined borders. There may be several individual ones or they may form clusters. Others, such as those next to tendons, do not affect the skin color.
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 provider may remove it by surgery or with a laser. However, xanthomas may come back after surgery.
Andrea Mignarri practices in Siena, Italy. Ms. Mignarri is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Xanthoma. Her top areas of expertise are Xanthoma, Cerebrotendinous Xanthomatosis, Spastic Paraplegia Type 5A, and Spastic Paraplegia Type 7.
Aad Verrips practices in Nijmegen, Netherlands. Verrips is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Xanthoma. Their top areas of expertise are Xanthoma, Cerebrotendinous Xanthomatosis, KBG Syndrome, and Aicardi Syndrome.
Ron Wevers practices in Nijmegen, Netherlands. Mr. Wevers is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Xanthoma. His top areas of expertise are Xanthoma, Cerebrotendinous Xanthomatosis, Cutis Laxa, and Autosomal Recessive Cutis Laxa Type 1.
The growth is noncancerous and painless, but it may be a sign of another medical condition.
Contact your provider if xanthomas develop. They may indicate an underlying disorder that needs treatment.
To reduce the development of xanthomas, you may need to regulate your blood triglyceride and cholesterol levels.
Summary: This study will evaluate people with dyslipidemias - disorders that affect the fat content in the blood. Fats, or lipids, such as cholesterol and triglycerides, are carried in the blood in particles called lipoproteins. These particles are involved in causing blood vessel diseases that can lead to conditions like atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) or heart attack. Participants will underg...
Summary: The rare histiocytic disorders (RHDs) are characterized by the infiltration of one or more organs by non-LCH histiocytes. They can range from localized disease that resolves spontaneously, to progressive disseminated forms that can be sometimes life-threatening. Since they are extremely rare, there is limited understanding of their causes and best treatment options. Physicians, patients and parent...
Published Date: April 01, 2025
Published By: Elika Hoss, MD, Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Dinulos JGH. Cutaneous manifestations of internal disease. In: Dinulos JGH, ed. Habif's Clinical Dermatology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 26.
James WD. Errors in metabolism. In: James WD, ed. Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 21.
Massengale WT. Xanthomas. In: Bolognia JL, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L, eds. Dermatology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 92.