Balloon Cell Melanoma Research Articles

Balloon cell melanoma of the choroid.

Balloon cells were found to represent a significant histologic component of a spindle cell malignant melanoma of the choroid. Review of 200 cases of malignant melanoma of the choroid and ciliary body revealed that the incidence of balloon cells in these tumors was 10% and that such cells were more commonly present in spindle cell tumors.

Metastatic melanoma with balloon cell changes

Two cases of balloon cell malignant melanoma are presented. Attention is drawn to the diagnostic difficulties which may be encountered in distinguishing these lesions from other clear cell tumors. Ultrastructurally, the cytoplasm of these balloon cells is characterized by an absence of premelanosomes and melanosomes, and by the presence of numerous, large membrane-bound vesicles. Balloon cells show defective melanogenesis, and the cytoplasmic vesicles may represent grossly dilated smooth endoplasmic reticulum.

Metastatic melanoma with balloon cell changes.

Two cases of balloon cell malignant melanoma are presented. Attention is drawn to the diagnostic difficulties which may be encountered in distinguishing these lesions from other clear cell tumors. Ultrastructurally, the cytoplasm of these balloon cells is characterized by an absence of premelanosomes and melanosomes, and by the presence of numerous, large membrane-bound vesicles. Balloon cells show defective melanogenesis, and the cytoplasmic vesicles may represent grossly dilated smooth endoplasmic reticulum.