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.

How do you identify xanthomas?

Xanthomas are firm, raised waxy-appearing papules or bumps, which may occur on the truck, arms, and legs, and may be skin-colored, pink, or even yellow. The presence of this type of skin lesion may be associated with abnormal levels of lipids, or fats, in the blood.

What does cholesterol bumps look like?

Cholesterol deposits are soft, flat, yellowish lumps. They tend to appear on the upper and lower eyelids, near the inner corner of the eye, and often develop symmetrically around both eyes. These lesions may remain the same size or grow very slowly over time. They sometimes join together to form larger lumps.