Anorectal Melanoma-Brownish Black Mass Not Always a Hemorrhoid

J Gastrointest Cancer. 2022 Sep;53(3):825-829. doi: 10.1007/s12029-021-00678-y. Epub 2021 Aug 4.

Abstract

The non-specific clinical symptoms of anorectal brownish-black mass do not help to differentiate colorectal cancer, hemorrhoids, rectal ulcers which result in a delayed diagnosis or lead to inadequate management of lethal anorectal melanoma. Primary malignant melanoma of the anorectal region is an uncommon tumor, constituting approximately 1% of anal canal tumors which may be misdiagnosed clinically as hemorrhoids. Because of aggressive behavior and poor prognosis, efficient and prompt diagnosis is required in these cases. We report 2 cases of this rare tumor.

MeSH terms

  • Anus Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Anus Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Hemorrhoids* / diagnosis
  • Hemorrhoids* / etiology
  • Hemorrhoids* / pathology
  • Humans
  • Melanoma* / complications
  • Rectal Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Rectum / pathology