Primary Anorectal Melanoma : A Rare Case Report with Review of Literature

Abstract

Anorectal melanoma is very rare malignant tumor, accounting 0.2-1% of all malignant melanomas and has a poor prognosis. The median survival of 8-23 months after the time of diagnosis. The typical treatment modalities includes surgery radiotherapy and chemotherapy. We present the case of a 75 year-old female with history of bleeding per rectum for 5 months with rectosigmoidoscopy showing an exophytic growth measuring about 5cm in diameter, multiple biopsies were taken showing tiny foci of submucosal infiltration by malignant cells. Abdomino-perineal resection was performed and pathologic examination revealed anorectal melanoma. Early diagnosis and treatment of this aggressive tumor for better out come and long term survival is highly recommended.