What are tendon Xanthomas?
[1] Tendon xanthomas are cholesterol deposits in tendons. They appear as slowly enlarging papules or subcutaneous nodules attached to tendons, ligaments, fascia and periosteum and commonly affect the tendons of the dorsal surface of the hands and the achilles tendon.
Why do xanthomas form on tendons?
Tendinous xanthomas are caused by impairment in lipoprotein regulation, which results in accumulated cholesterol deposits in the tendons, ligaments, or periosteum [1]. The nodules are most often found over the Achilles tendons, hands, and the extensor surfaces of the elbows and knees [1].
What are cutaneous xanthomas?
Xanthoma is a skin condition in which certain fats build up under the surface of the skin. Xanthomas are raised, waxy-appearing, frequently yellowish-colored skin lesions. They may be associated with an underlying lipid (cholesterol/triglyceride) abnormality.
Will xanthomas go away?
The patches probably won’t go away on their own. They’ll either stay the same size or grow over time. If you’re worried about how they look, you can have them removed.
Are xanthomas painful?
Xanthomas can vary in size. The growths may be as small as a pinhead or as large as a grape. They often look like a flat bump under the skin and sometimes appear yellow or orange. They usually don’t cause any pain.
What do xanthomas feel like?
The bumps may be itchy or tender to the touch. Xanthomas can appear anywhere on the body, including on internal organs. They are often found on the skin.
Do xanthomas go away?
In some cases, once you get your blood lipid levels down, the xanthomas will go away on their own. If not, you can speak to your doctor about having them removed.
Are xanthomas reversible?
If xanthoma is a symptom of a medical condition, then the underlying cause must be treated. This will often get rid of the growths and minimize the likelihood that they’ll return. Diabetes and cholesterol levels that are well-controlled are less likely to cause xanthoma.
Can a tendon xanthoma cause joint instability?
Typically tendon xanthomas do not cause symptoms. However, if they become large enough they can cause joint and tendon instability. At this point patients should be referred for surgical management of their xanthoma. Tendon xanthomas change in size very slowly and can be expected to diminish in size very slowly once the patient is treated.
What kind of tumor is a tendon xanthoma?
The morphology of the tendon xanthoma, a firm-to-hard subcutaneous nodule on a tendon and near a joint, creates a differential diagnosis that includes all kinds of benign and malignant tumors. The typical bilateral nature of tendon xanthomas is an important feature in their recognition. Who is at Risk for Developing this Disease?
What should I do if I have tendon xanthomas?
Dietary modifications to reduce the amount of cholesterol consumed are a reasonable addition to the treatment plan of patient with tendon xanthomas. However, since the pathophysiology surrounds improper clearance of circulating LDL the addition of a systemic treatment is necessary in most cases.
What kind of sports can cause shoulder tendonitis?
You can develop shoulder tendonitis from participating in certain sports that require the arm to move over the head repeatedly. These sports may include baseball, weightlifting, volleyball, racket sports, and certain swimming strokes. What is shoulder tendonitis? Tendonitis of your shoulder is an inflammation of your rotator cuff or biceps tendon.