Xanthelasma in a Middle-Aged Man
Concerned about the yellow plaque on his upper eyelid, a 45-year-old man sought medical evaluation. The slow-growing, asymptomatic lesion had developed several months earlier.
Concerned about the yellow plaque on his upper eyelid, a 45-year-old man sought medical evaluation. The slow-growing, asymptomatic lesion had developed several months earlier.
Dr Raymond Kuwahara of Memphis diagnosed xanthoma palpebrarum, or xanthelasma, the most common type of xanthoma. Eyelid xanthomas are usually found in older adults; in younger persons, the condition may be associated with familial hypercholesterolemia or familial dyslipoproteinemia. This patient had normal lipid levels and no family history of lipid anomalies.
Referral to a dermatologist is recommended. Xanthoma palpebrarum may be surgically excised or chemically treated with phenol or trichloracetic acid.
