For xanthelasma, which testing is indicated to evaluate for potential hyperlipidemia?

For xanthelasma, which testing is indicated to evaluate for potential hyperlipidemia?

• A. Serum cholesterol and lipid profile to rule out hypercholesterolemia.
• B. Complete blood count.
• C. Urinalysis.
• D. Skin biopsy.

Answer: (A)

Xanthelasma can be a sign of underlying dyslipidemia, so evaluating lipid status is essential. A serum cholesterol and lipid panel provides a full view of lipid levels—total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides—to identify hypercholesterolemia or other lipid abnormalities that may require treatment and cardiovascular risk management. This is typically done as a fasting test to ensure accurate results. The other options don’t assess lipid status: a complete blood count, urinalysis, or skin biopsy may describe general health or confirm the skin lesion but won’t reveal the patient’s lipid profile.

Xanthelasma can be a sign of underlying dyslipidemia, so evaluating lipid status is essential. A serum cholesterol and lipid panel provides a full view of lipid levels—total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides—to identify hypercholesterolemia or other lipid abnormalities that may require treatment and cardiovascular risk management. This is typically done as a fasting test to ensure accurate results. The other options don’t assess lipid status: a complete blood count, urinalysis, or skin biopsy may describe general health or confirm the skin lesion but won’t reveal the patient’s lipid profile.