Xanthomatoses
Xanthomatoses are conditions characterized by the formation of small yellow tumors in the skin of a person. These tumors are consisting of histiocytes and reticuloendothelial cells and cholesterol
esters are mainly the common lipids seen. These are also seen in the lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, blood vessels and endocardium.
The different kinds of Xanthomatoses
are as follows:
a. Xanthoma tendinosum
– as the name implies, these tumors are located in the dorsum of the hand and fingers,
elbows, knees and heels- the tumors are attached to the tendons but not to the skin
b. Xanthoma tuberosum
– these tumors are found in areas exposed to trauma as the extensor surface of the elbows and knees
– the subcutaneous nodules are pea to egg- sized, soft and yellow- orange in color
c. Xanthoma planum
– these are flat lesions and are located commonly in the neck, chest, thighs and eyelids
d. Xanthoma disseminatum
– thd lesions here are pin- head- sized and yellow or grayish- yellow in color
– usually located in the flexor surfaces, neck, axilla, bend of the elbow