balloon cell
Large, dysplastic cell with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm, characteristic of certain cortical malformations and some brain tumors.
Full Definition
Balloon cell is a distinctive cytological abnormality characterized by markedly enlarged cells with abundant, glassy eosinophilic cytoplasm and eccentric nuclei. These cells are pathognomonic features of Type II focal cortical dysplasia and are also seen in certain low-grade brain tumors such as ganglioglioma and pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma. The presence of balloon cells is significant for both epilepsy surgery planning and tumor classification, as they indicate specific pathological entities with distinct clinical behaviors.
Usage
Usage note: Always hyphenate; describe cytological features when first mentioned in reports.
In Context
- "Scattered balloon cells throughout the cortical specimen confirmed the diagnosis of Type IIB focal cortical dysplasia." — Epilepsy pathology report
- "The ganglioglioma contained numerous balloon cells admixed with the neoplastic neuronal population." — Brain tumor pathology