Xanthelasma
| Xanthelasma | |
|---|---|
| Specialty | Ophthalmology  |
Xanthelasma (or xanthelasma palpebrarum; /ˌzænθ[invalid input: 'ɨ']ˈlæzmə/) is a sharply demarcated yellowish deposit of fat underneath the skin, usually on or around the eyelids.[1] While they are neither harmful nor painful, these minor growths may be disfiguring and can be removed.[1]
A xanthelasma may instead be referred to as a xanthoma when becoming larger and nodular, assuming tumorous proportions.[2] Still, xanthelasma is often classified simply as a subtype of xanthoma.[3]
Treatment
Xanthelasmata can be removed with a trichloroacetic acid peel, surgery, lasers or cryotherapy. Removal may cause scarring and pigment changes, but it is an uncommon side-effect of treatment.
Name
The word is derived from Greek xanthos, ξανθός, "yellow" and έλασμα, elasma, "foil". The plural is xanthelasmata.
See also
- Xanthoma, which are similar collections of cholesterol around tendons
- List of xanthoma variants associated with hyperlipoproteinemia subtypes
References
- ^ a b Frew, J. W.; Murrell, D. F.; Haber, R. M. (2015). "Fifty shades of yellow: A review of the xanthodermatoses". International Journal of Dermatology. 54 (10): 1109–23. doi:10.1111/ijd.12945. PMID 26227781.
- ^ Shields, Carol; Shields, Jerry (2008). Eyelid, conjunctival and orbital tumors: atlas and textbook. Hagerstwon, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. ISBN 0-7817-7578-7.[page needed]
- ^ "xanthelasma". Mosby's Medical Dictionary (8th ed.). 2009. Retrieved November 8, 2012.