Balloon Cell Nevus – Report of Three Cases

Abstract

The balloon cell nevus is a rare and unusual benign melanocytic lesion characterized histologically by complete or predominant presence of balloon-cell transformed melanocytes. They represent approximately 1.7% of all melanocytic nevi. Three female patients, aged 30, 14 and 7 years, with lesions located on the back and head are included in the presented report. The dermoscopic examination revealed the repetitive dermoscopic features in all three patients: white and yellowish aggregated globules. In conclusion, balloon cell nevi are clinically indistinguishable from the common nevi. Dermoscopy can be useful in their recognition since balloon cell nevi exhibit some distinct dermoscopic features in a form of aggregated white and/or yellow globules.