xanthoma /zanthō′mə/ pl. xanthomas, xanthomata [Gk, xanthos + oma, tumor] , a benign fatty fibrous, yellowish plaque, nodule, or tumor that develops in the subcutaneous layer of skin, often around tendons. The lesion is characterized by the intracellular accumulation of cholesterol and cholesterol esters. It is associated with high cholesterol and/or triglycerides.
