Anorectal melanoma

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Abstract
Clinicopathologic findings in 2 cases of anorectal melanoma were presented and the medical literature was reviewed. The disease is rare. Melanoma arises from the anal squamous membrane and often spreads upward through submucosal planes, producing secondary satellites in the rectum. Trauma from defecation, vast lymphatic and venous systems in the anorectal region, and high invasiveness of the tumor cells evidently account for early distant metastases. Histologically, the neoplastic cells often mimic other cancers. Treatment is surgical, with dismal end results.