The first attempt in local excision of anorectal malignant melanoma using transanal endoscopic microsurgery

Anorectal malignant melanoma (AMM) is an uncommon malignancy that is thought to arise from melanocytes in the mucosa around the anorectal junction. AMM is commonly misdiagnosed, and definitive preoperative diagnosis is often difficult. The prognosis of AMM is relatively poor. Although radical resection is required for AMM, there is still no consensus at this moment on which surgical approach is preferred. We herein report a rare case of AMM which was treated by transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) in combination with radiotherapy, which resulted in complete excision of the lesion without complications. The successful treatment for this AMM using TEM emphasizes the need to broaden its application in the treatment of various rectal lesions while preserving organ function and decreasing recurrence.