Primary anorectal malignant melanoma. A case report

A case of primary anorectal malignant melanoma in a 66-year-old lady is presented and the clinical, radiological and surgical features reviewed. The presenting symptoms similar to the more commonly encountered haemorrhoids led to a delay in the eventual diagnosis and treatment, resulting in limited post-operative survival. The relevant literature is reviewed and an emphasis made on the accurate histological diagnosis of anorectal growths.