$Unique_ID{BRK02143}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Causes and Treatment of Xanthelasma Palpebrum}
$Subject{skin-spots diet cholesterol laser xanthelasma palpebrum inherited
familial hypercholesteremia primary biliary cirrhosis idiopathic CO2 laser}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1993  Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Causes and Treatment of Xanthelasma Palpebrum


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QUESTION:  Please explain a growth I have on my eyelids called "xanthelasma
palpebrum".  I have consulted with several doctors and was told to have a test
called lipoprotein electrophoresis because cholesterol can be a cause, but the
test showed my cholesterol count was low.  I would like to know if these
growths are a health hazard, and if I have surgery, whether there would be a
scar?  Any other information would be greatly appreciated.

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ANSWER:  The name "xanthelasma palpebrum" is given to a collection of fatty
tissue in the lids, or tissues around the eyes.  It is seen most frequently in
people who have elevated levels of cholesterol in the blood.  Such cholesterol
may result from a diet that is high in fats and cholesterol, but also as a
result of an inherited disease called "inherited familial hypercholesteremia".
The test you had was part of your physician's effort to discover whether or
not that problem was the cause of your skin lesions.  Apparently it wasn't.
These same yellowish spots can also be seen in a condition known as "primary
biliary cirrhosis" but I am sure your physician would have informed you of
that diagnosis had it been discovered.  The third possible cause of these
spots is called "idiopathic", a term used by physicians to indicate that, in
fact, they have no idea what causes the problem.  This is probably the
classification your situation falls into, one which arises spontaneously
without an obvious link to a specific cause or event.  And that means that
they do not represent a particular health hazard in your case.
     But not to worry, they can still be removed quite easily.  Previous
techniques, which included the use of caustic materials to "burn" them off, or
a surgical procedure to cut them off, frequently resulted in small scars.  Now
a new process using a CO2 laser can remove the offending lesions with
excellent cosmetic results.  This laser can vaporize the fatty tissue, and can
be used with great precision.  The spots are removed and healing is quite
rapid.  As to the possibility that they might return, that certainly exists,
but is unpredictable, since the cause of the spots is also unknown.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.