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Cazzato G, Cascardi E, Colagrande A, Cimmino A, Ingravallo G, Lospalluti L, Romita P, Demarco A, Arezzo F, Loizzi V, Dellino M, Trilli I, Bellitti E, Parente P, Lettini T, Foti C, Cormio G, Maiorano E, Resta L. Balloon Cell Melanoma: Presentation of Four Cases with a Comprehensive Review of the Literature. Dermatopathology (Basel) 2022; 9:100-110. [PMID: 35466242 PMCID: PMC9036264 DOI: 10.3390/dermatopathology9020013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND balloon cell melanoma represents less than 1% of all histological forms of malignant melanoma and represents a diagnostic challenge for the dermatopathologist. METHODS in this paper we present our cases of BCM found in our daily practice from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2021, and we conduct a review of the literature relating to this entity in the period from the first description, 1970, to early 2022. RESULTS four cases of melanoma balloon cell have been extrapolated from our electronic database, while in the review of the literature we have identified 115 cases of patients with primary and/or metastatic BCM. CONCLUSIONS we believe that future studies with numerous case series are essential not only to increase the knowledge of the pathophysiology of this neoplasm but also to correctly evaluate the response of BCM patients to new oncological therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerardo Cazzato
- Section of Pathology, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.C.); (G.I.); (E.B.); (T.L.); (E.M.); (L.R.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Eliano Cascardi
- Section of Pathology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10121 Turin, Italy;
| | - Anna Colagrande
- Section of Pathology, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.C.); (G.I.); (E.B.); (T.L.); (E.M.); (L.R.)
| | - Antonietta Cimmino
- Section of Pathology, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.C.); (G.I.); (E.B.); (T.L.); (E.M.); (L.R.)
| | - Giuseppe Ingravallo
- Section of Pathology, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.C.); (G.I.); (E.B.); (T.L.); (E.M.); (L.R.)
| | - Lucia Lospalluti
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Biomedical Science and Oncology (DIMO), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (L.L.); (P.R.); (A.D.); (C.F.)
| | - Paolo Romita
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Biomedical Science and Oncology (DIMO), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (L.L.); (P.R.); (A.D.); (C.F.)
| | - Aurora Demarco
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Biomedical Science and Oncology (DIMO), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (L.L.); (P.R.); (A.D.); (C.F.)
| | - Francesca Arezzo
- Section of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology (DIMO), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (F.A.); (V.L.); (M.D.); (G.C.)
| | - Vera Loizzi
- Section of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology (DIMO), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (F.A.); (V.L.); (M.D.); (G.C.)
| | - Miriam Dellino
- Section of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology (DIMO), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (F.A.); (V.L.); (M.D.); (G.C.)
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “San Paolo” Hospital, ASL Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Irma Trilli
- Odontomatostologic Clinic, Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, University of Chieti “G. D’Annunzio”, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Emilio Bellitti
- Section of Pathology, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.C.); (G.I.); (E.B.); (T.L.); (E.M.); (L.R.)
| | - Paola Parente
- Pathology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy;
| | - Teresa Lettini
- Section of Pathology, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.C.); (G.I.); (E.B.); (T.L.); (E.M.); (L.R.)
| | - Caterina Foti
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Biomedical Science and Oncology (DIMO), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (L.L.); (P.R.); (A.D.); (C.F.)
| | - Gennaro Cormio
- Section of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology (DIMO), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (F.A.); (V.L.); (M.D.); (G.C.)
| | - Eugenio Maiorano
- Section of Pathology, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.C.); (G.I.); (E.B.); (T.L.); (E.M.); (L.R.)
| | - Leonardo Resta
- Section of Pathology, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.C.); (G.I.); (E.B.); (T.L.); (E.M.); (L.R.)
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Fusano M, Soglia S, Gianotti R, Bencini PL. Dermoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy of balloon cell nevi: a series of 10 cases. Int J Dermatol 2021; 60:708-711. [PMID: 33580719 DOI: 10.1111/ijd.15460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Balloon cell nevus (BCN) is a rare histopathological entity. It is usually represented by an asymptomatic brown smooth or polypoid lesion, but no clinical features allow differentiation from other melanocytic nevi. Moreover, dermoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) aspects of BCN have been described in a few single cases. This study aims to describe a wider BCN series with dermoscopic and RCM features to assess the most frequent patterns. METHODS Ten patients who underwent a BCN surgical excision with histological diagnosis were included in this study. Dermatoscopy and RCM were performed for each lesion, searching for the features described in literature. RESULTS Each nevus presented as an asymptomatic, smooth brownish lesion. Regarding dermoscopy, four balloon cell nevi showed yellow globules, eight white globules, eight a light-brown network at the periphery, and eight a structureless central area; moreover, we found a hyperpigmented central blotch in four cases. RCM examination highlighted aggregates of dense nests at superficial dermis level in all BCNs, characterized by the presence of a dark nucleus surrounded by vacuolized cytoplasm. Moreover, multiple melanophages were seen at the dermal-epidermal junction in one case and superficial epidermal dendritic cells in one case. CONCLUSIONS This series of 10 BCNs improves the dermoscopic and confocal microscopic knowledge of this rare entity. We also reported a new dermoscopic aspect represented by central hyperpigmented blotch. A correct identification of BCN with noninvasive techniques allows to avoid unnecessary surgical excision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Fusano
- Istituto di Chirurgia e Laserchirurgia in Dermatologia (I.C.L.I.D.), Milan, Italy
| | - Simone Soglia
- University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Raffaele Gianotti
- Dipartimento di Fisiopatologia Medico-Chirurgica e dei Trapianti, Università degli Studi di Milano, IRCCS Fondazione Ca' Granda - Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Pier Luca Bencini
- Istituto di Chirurgia e Laserchirurgia in Dermatologia (I.C.L.I.D.), Milan, Italy
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Micali G, Verzì AE, Puglisi DF, Quattrocchi E, Caltabiano R, Lacarrubba F. Balloon cell nevus in children: Report of three cases of the scalp and review. Pediatr Dermatol 2021; 38:198-201. [PMID: 32985713 DOI: 10.1111/pde.14372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Balloon cell nevus (BCN) is a histopathological variant of cutaneous acquired melanocytic nevi characterized by junctional and/or dermal nests of large cells with a clear and foamy cytoplasm which has rarely been described in children. Three cases of BCN firstly reported on the scalp in two pediatric patients are presented along with a literature review. Dermoscopy is particularly indicated in those pigmented lesions showing a yellowish hue, in ruling out in real time those disorders that may clinically be similar such as xanthogranuloma and sebaceous nevus, and to suggest the diagnosis of BCN. The final diagnosis, however, is established by histopathological examination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Rosario Caltabiano
- Department "G.F. Ingrassia" Section of Anatomic Pathology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Sainz-Gaspar L, Sánchez-Bernal J, Noguera-Morel L, Hernández-Martín A, Colmenero I, Torrelo A. Spitz Nevus and Other Spitzoid Tumors in Children —Part 1: Clinical, Histopathologic, and Immunohistochemical Features. Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas (English Edition) 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.adengl.2019.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
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Abstract
Spitz tumors are melanocytic neoplasms hallmarked by large cell size, lack of high-grade atypia, and a regular architecture. Most are nonpigmented or poorly pigmented. Malignant potential ranges from absent (Spitz nevus), to fully present (spitzoid melanoma), with a further, ill-defined group of Spitz tumors with limited metastatic potential. Microscopic evaluation may prove inconclusive in some instances, resulting in a verdict of Spitz tumor of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP). STUMP is, therefore, not an entity, and should not be equated with Spitz tumors with limited metastatic potential. Novel diagnostic techniques are yielding promising results, and further evaluation is ongoing.
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Affiliation(s)
- F D Menezes
- Department of Pathology, Instituto Portugues de Oncologia do Porto FG, Rua Dr Antonio Bernardino de Almeida, Porto 4200-072, Portugal
| | - W J Mooi
- Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, PO Box 7057, Amsterdam 1007 MB, The Netherlands.
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