[Anorectal melanoma: Clinical case]

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Gastroenterology
• Pathology

Background:

• Anorectal melanoma (AM) is a rare, aggressive malignancy, accounting for 1.3% of all melanomas.
• AM presents diagnostic challenges due to its rarity and similarity to benign anorectal conditions, leading to frequent misdiagnoses.
• Amelanotic AM, occurring in 20-30% of cases, further complicates endoscopic detection.

Observation:

• A case study of a 50-year-old woman presenting with rectal bleeding and proctalgia.
• Diagnosis of AM was confirmed via colonoscopy.
• Treatment involved transanal resection with hemorrhoidectomy.

Findings:

• Histological examination and immunohistochemical staining are crucial for definitive AM diagnosis.
• Colonoscopy aids in lesion characterization.
• Management strategies for AM lack standardization due to limited clinical trials.

Implications:

• Further research is essential to establish standardized treatment protocols for anorectal melanoma.
• Early detection and complete surgical resection are critical for improving patient outcomes and survival.
• Understanding unique risk factors for AM, distinct from cutaneous melanoma, is needed.