Anorectal Melanoma: An Unusual Cause of Rectal Bleeding

Abstract

Anorectum is a rare site for primary melanoma. It is an aggressive cancer with poor prognosis. The diagnosis is often delayed due to non-specific signs and symptoms. Clinically, it is often misdiagnosed as hemorrhoids. The cytological diagnosis can be challenging especially when melanin pigment is sparse or absent. Herein, we present a rare case of anorectal melanoma which was initially misdiagnosed as hemorrhoids. A final correct diagnosis was made on cytology when later on the patient developed inguinal metastasis.

Keywords

• cytology
• lymph node metastasis
• malignant
• rectum