[Amelanotic polypoid malignant melanoma of the balloon cell type]

We describe a 59-year-old woman with amelanotic polypoid balloon cell melanoma. Physical examination showed exophytic erythematous tumour simulating a basal cell carcinoma or an adnexal tumour. Histopathology revealed a polypoid tumour that was composed mainly of balloon cells in sheets and nests. Examination 37 months after excision of the tumour with 3 cm safety margins disclosed no evidence of enlarged lymph nodes or cutaneous metastases. Metastases to internal organs could not be assessed because the patient repeatedly refused further examination for staging. To our knowledge our patient is the first case of amelanotic polypoid balloon cell melanoma to be reported in the German literature.