Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek emergency care for severe or persistent upper abdominal pain, especially with vomiting, fever, or pain spreading to the back.
These symptoms can occur with pancreatitis.
A xanthoma does not confirm pancreatitis, but eruptive xanthomas and very high triglycerides can be associated with it.
Call emergency services for chest pressure, severe shortness of breath, sudden one-sided weakness, facial drooping, or difficulty speaking.
These are possible signs of a heart attack or stroke, not symptoms caused directly by the skin deposit.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek prompt medical advice if:
Many small bumps appear over a short period
A tendon lump becomes painful or affects movement
A lesion bleeds, ulcerates, changes rapidly, or looks unlike your other lesions
Previous blood tests showed very high cholesterol or triglycerides
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine appointment if you notice a new yellow plaque, a crop of small yellow-red bumps, or a firm lump in a tendon.
An assessment is especially important if the changes appeared suddenly or if close relatives have very high cholesterol or heart disease at a young age.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Xanthoma. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.