xanthoma
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A benign, yellowish skin lesion or nodule, typically appearing on the eyelids, neck, or back, caused by the accumulation of lipid (fat)-filled cells (macrophages) in the skin. Its presence can sometimes be associated with underlying disorders of lipid (cholesterol or triglyceride) metabolism.
Usage
The word "xanthoma" is a medical term used specifically to describe a type of dermatological condition. It is a countable noun.
Examples
- The dermatologist diagnosed the small, raised bumps on his eyelids as xanthomas.
- The presence of multiple xanthomas prompted the doctor to order a lipid profile test to check his cholesterol levels.
- Xanthoma is not typically painful but is often treated due to its cosmetic appearance and its potential link to systemic disease.
Advanced Usage
- "Eruptive xanthoma": A specific type characterized by the sudden appearance of multiple small, yellowish-red papules, often associated with high triglyceride levels.
- "Tendinous xanthoma": A type that presents as subcutaneous nodules on tendons, commonly the Achilles tendon, and is associated with familial hypercholesterolemia.
- The plural form is xanthomas or xanthomata.
Variants and Related Words
- Xanthelasma (noun): A specific, common form of xanthoma that appears as yellowish plaques on the eyelids.
- Xanthomatosis (noun): A condition characterized by the presence of multiple xanthomas, often indicating a systemic lipid disorder.
Synonyms
- Lipid deposit (in the skin)
- Cholesterol nodule (informal, descriptive)
Antonyms
- There is no direct antonym, as it is a specific medical condition. In a general sense, one might refer to "clear skin" or "normal skin."
Related Phrases/Idioms
There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs using this specific, technical medical term.
Noun
- a skin problem marked by the development (on the eyelids and neck and back) of irregular yellow nodules; sometimes attributable to disturbances of cholesterol metabolism