Balloon Cell Melanoma

**Semantic type:** Neoplastic Process

**Definition:** A rare variant of melanoma with a vertical growth phase. It presents as a nodular or polypoid skin lesion. It is characterized by the presence of nodules which contain large melanoma cells with clear, foamy or finely vacuolated cytoplasm. The prognosis is similar to that of other melanomas matched for depth of invasion.

**Synonyms:** - Balloon Cell Cutaneous (Skin) Melanoma - Balloon Cell Malignant Melanoma - Balloon Cell Malignant Melanoma of Skin - Balloon Cell Malignant Melanoma of the Skin - Balloon Cell Malignant Skin Melanoma - Balloon Cell Skin Melanoma - Balloon cell melanoma