diabetic xanthoma

xanthoma /xan·tho·ma/ (zan-tho´mah) a tumor composed of lipid-laden foam cells, which are histiocytes containing cytoplasmic lipid material.

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diabetic xanthoma , xanthoma diabetico´rum eruptive x.

disseminated xanthoma , xanthoma dissemina´tum a rare, normolipoproteinemic form manifested by the development of reddish yellow to brown papules and nodules that may coalesce to form plaques, chiefly involving flexural ureases, the mucous membranes of the mouth and respiratory tract, cornea, sclera, and central nervous system.

eruptive xanthoma , xanthoma erupti´vum a form marked by sudden eruption of crops of small, yellow or yellowish orange papules encircled by an erythematous halo, especially on the buttocks, posterior thighs, and elbows, and caused by high concentrations of plasma triglycerides, especially that associated with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus.

fibrous xanthoma  benign fibrous histiocytoma.

xanthoma mul´tiplex  disseminated x.

planar xanthoma , plane xanthoma, xanthoma pla´num a form manifested as soft yellowish, tannish, or dark red flat macules or slightly elevated plaques, sometimes having a central white area, which may be localized or generalized, often occurring in association with other xanthomas and certain hyperlipoproteinemias.

xanthoma tendino´sum , tendinous xanthoma a form manifested by free movable papules or nodules in the tendons, ligaments, fascia, and periosteum, especially on the backs of the hands, fingers, elbows, knees, and heels, in association with some hyperlipoproteinemias and certain other xanthomas.

xanthoma tubero´sum , tuberous xanthoma a form manifested by groups of flat, or elevated and rounded, yellowish or orangish nodules on the skin over joints, especially on elbows and knees; it may be associated with certain types of hyperlipoproteinemia, biliary cirrhosis, and myxedema.

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diabetic xanthoma,

an eruption of yellow papules or plaques on the skin in uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. The lesion disappears as the metabolic functions are stabilized and the disease is controlled.

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xanthoma [zan-tho´mah]

a papule, nodule, or plaque in the skin due to lipid deposits; it is usually yellow, but may be brown, reddish, or cream colored. Microscopically, the lesions show light cells with foamy protoplasm (foam cells). Xanthomas range in size from tiny pinheads to large nodules, and the shape may be round, flat, or irregular. They are often found around the eyes, the joints, the neck or the palms, or over tendons. Often these lipid deposits are not limited to the skin but are found throughout the body in bones, the heart, blood vessels, liver, and other organs.



The formation of xanthomas may indicate an underlying disease, usually related to abnormal metabolism of lipids, including cholesterol. Abnormally high levels of blood lipids may be found in diabetes mellitus (xanthoma diabeticorum), in diseases of the liver, kidney, and thyroid gland, and in several hereditary metabolic diseases. The excessive lipids carried in the blood may then be deposited as xanthomas. Treatment includes surgery, application of acids directly to the lipid deposits, and management of the disease that causes them.

Legs of a person homozygous for familial hypercholesterolemia, showing multiple xanthomas. From Mueller and Young, 2001.

diabetic xanthoma an eruptive xanthoma associated with diabetes mellitus; when the diabetes is brought under control, the skin lesions disappear.