(Synonyms: Vitiligoidea; Xanthelasma.)

What is xanthoma?

Xanthoma is a connective-tissue new growth characterized by the formation of yellowish, circumscribed, irregularly-shaped, variously-sized, non-indurated, flat or raised patches or tubercles.

Name the two varieties met with.

The macular or flat (xanthoma planum) and the tubercular (xanthoma tuberculatum or tuberosum). In some instances both varieties (xanthoma multiplex) are seen in the same individual.

Describe the clinical appearances of xanthoma planum.

The macular or flat variety is usually seen about the eyelids. It consists of one, several or more small or large, smooth, opaque, sharply-defined, often slightly raised, yellowish patches, looking not unlike pieces of chamois-skin implanted in the skin.

Describe the clinical appearances of xanthoma tuberosum.

The tubercular variety is commonly met with upon the neck, trunk and extremities. It occurs as small, raised, isolated, yellowish nodules, or as patches made up of aggregations of millet-seed-sized or larger tubercles. The lesions may be few or they may exist in great numbers.

What is the course of xanthoma?

Extremely slow; after reaching a certain development the growths may remain stationary.

State the etiology of xanthoma.

The causes are obscure. Jaundice not infrequently precedes and accompanies its development, especially in the tubercular variety. The disease is uncommon, and is usually seen in middle and advanced life, and more frequently in women. In some cases (xanthoma diabeticorum) of general xanthoma diabetes is the causative factor.

What is the pathology of xanthoma?

It is a benign, connective-tissue new growth, with concomitant or subsequent, but usually partial, fatty degeneration.

Give the prognosis of xanthoma.

The condition is persistent, and usually irresponsive to all treatment save destructive or operative measures.

What is the treatment of xanthoma?

Treatment consists, in suitable cases, of excision; in some instances, electrolysis is serviceable. Applications of trichloracetic acid cautiously made are sometimes of value. In that form of general xanthoma due to diabetes the treatment of this latter condition will materially and sometimes completely remove the eruption.