Rapid Review: Xanthoma

Reviewed February 2024

Cutaneous Xanthoma

• History of hypercholesterolemia or hyperlipidemia
• Bumps on the heel (tendinous xanthoma), around the eyelid (xanthelasma), or on extensor extremities or joints
• PE will show a smooth, firm, skin-colored nodule that moves with the movement of the tendon, arcus cornealis (a white or gray ring in the corneal margin), or eruptive xanthomas (red or yellow papules)
• Labs may show elevated LDL, hypertriglyceridemia
• Most commonly caused by familial hypercholesterolemia (a PCSK9 gene mutation of LDL receptors) but can be due to hyperlipidemia from any cause