Primary malignant melanoma of the anorectum: a case report

Abstract

Anorectal malignant melanoma is a very aggressive and rare tumor. This devastating malignancy is often mistaken for benign conditions as either hemorrhoids or rectal polyps. Unfamiliarity with this bleeding anorectal lesion can lead to a delay in diagnosis and therapy. The patient, a 72 year-old female, complaining for six months was treated for hemorrhoids. An abdomino-perineal resection was performed. Pathologic examination revealed an anorectal melanoma with numerous lymph node metastases but there was no liver or peritoneal metastases or ascites.