Primary Anal Malignant Melanoma

Rodrigues, Gabriel and Kudva, Annappa and Kudva, Ranjini (2003) Primary Anal Malignant Melanoma. The Internet Journal of Surgery, 4 (1). 01-07. ISSN 1528-8242

PDF Dr._Ranjini_Kudva_5.pdf - Published Version Restricted to Registered users only Download (2MB) | Request a copy

Abstract

Primary melanoma of the anal canal is a rare pathological event and comprises approximately one percent of all invasive tumors in this site. This devastating malignancy is often mistaken for benign conditions as either hemorrhoids or rectal polyp. Unfamiliarity with this bleeding anorectal lesion can lead to delay in diagnosis and therapy. As with melanomas elsewhere, the most useful characteristics for differentiating anorectal melanoma from other anal malignancies are melanin production, a "nesting" growth pattern and junctional changes. The prognosis is poor with a 5-year survival rate of about 15% inspite of an aggressive, multimodality approach. We present such a case with a detailed review of the literature.

Actions (login required)

View Item