Primary anal malignant melanoma,case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Malignant melanoma of the ano-rectum is a rare condition with a poor prognosis. Patients usually present with rectal bleeding with or without a lump at the anus, which is commonly attributed to haemorrhoids. We describe two patients with anorectal melanoma who had been treated for haemorrhoids and thus were admitted at a relatively late stage of the disease. Awareness of this uncommon tumour in patients with rectal bleeding with a lump at the anus may lead to a high index of suspicion, which is important in timely diagnosis and prompt treatment.