Malignant Melanoma of Anal Canal – A Diagnostic Dilemma

A 50-year-old male presented with major complaints of bleeding per -rectum and generalized weakness for past one and a half month. Digital rectal examination (DRE) and colonoscopy revealed a thrombosed internal haemorrhoid, which was surgically excised. Histopathological examination (HPE) was pointing towards anal malignant melanoma, which was further confirmed by positive immunohistochemistry (IHC) for HMB-45. As the patient had no secondaries or lymph node enlargement, he was referred for loco-regional radiotherapy. Primary ano-rectal melanoma is a rare but locally aggressive neoplasm capable of early metastasis. Owing to its non-specific clinical presentation it may be mistaken for benign conditions like haemorrhoids and may prove fatal. Surgical treatment may range from wide local excision (WLE) to abdomino-perineal resection (APR) with controversial role of chemo-radiation in advanced cases. Prognosis is usually bleak with a 5-year survival rate of less than 20%. Owing to the rarity of ano-rectal melanoma and importance of its early detection and management, this case is being reported here.

Keywords

Malignant Melanoma, cutaneous Malignancies, Anal Canal

Citation

Siddiqui Bushra, Faridi Shahbaz Habib, Ahmad Syed Shamshad, Akhtar Kafil, Rehman Suhailur, Aijaz Mohsin. Malignant Melanoma of Anal Canal – A Diagnostic Dilemma. International Archives of BioMedical and Clinical Research. 2016 Apr-Jun; 2(2): 79-82

URI

https://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/184082

Collections

International Archives of BioMedical and Clinical Research

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