title: Nodular balloon cell component in a cutaneous melanoma of the superficial spreading type.
abstract: The rare histopathologic feature of a nodular balloon cell component in a malignant melanoma of the superficial spreading type in a 46-year-old male patient is presented. Immunohistochemical analyses proved the tumor cells to express the melanocytic markers S100 protein, NK1/C3 and HMB 45 antigens in an intense and distinct pattern. The controversial theories of the pathogenesis of balloon cell changes in melanocytic neoplasms are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of Kiel, Germany.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kiene
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Petres-Dunsche
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Funke
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Christophers
mesh_terms: D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers