Long-term survival after locally aggressive anorectal melanoma

Anorectal melanoma is a rare disease and, unlike cutaneous melanoma, there are few guidelines regarding optimal management. It has a reputation for having a poor prognosis, which has been attributed to a delay in diagnosis and to a lack of effective systemic therapy. It has also been suggested that the biology of this tumor may differ from that of cutaneous melanoma. An interesting case of anorectal melanoma is presented which highlights the unique considerations and challenges encountered by medical oncologists and surgeons who treat this disease.