Melanocytic Nevi – Balloon Cell Nevus

Balloon Cell Nevus is a benign melanocytic nevus which I occasionally encounter in both my The Woodlands dermatology and Conroe dermatology offices.  The clinical appearance of a Balloon Cell Nevus is identical to the common melanocytic nevus.  The histologic appearance is what defines a Balloon Cell Nevus, as the melanocytes appear like balloons.  In some Balloon Cell Nevi, the entire histology is composed of Balloon Cells whereas in others only a few cells exhibit this finding.  Balloon Cell Melanoma does exist and this is treated as a melanoma with wide surgical excision, but normal Balloon Cell Nevi do not require treatment.