A xanthoma is a hard nodule under the skin. These nodules are composed of accumulated lipids. Tendinous xanthomas commonly erupt over tendons such as the Achilles tendon and tendons of the fingers. It should be noted that they can erupt over other tendons and ligaments as well. Tendinous xanthomas are skin-colored and associated with elevated levels of LDL cholesterol. Familial hyperlipidemia is a genetic condition with elevated LDL cholesterol that we will review in a future slide.
The image to the right provides an example of Tendinous Xanthoma, which appears as skin-colored nodules over the Achilles tendon.
