Endoscopic mucosal resection of primary anorectal malignant melanoma: a case report

Acta Med Okayama. 2008 Dec;62(6):421-4. doi: 10.18926/AMO/30952.

Abstract

Anorectal melanoma is a rare malignant tumor with a poor prognosis. However, several studies have reported cases of long-term survival. In this report, we present a patient with anorectal melanoma who has survived for 9 years after endoscopic mucosal resection. An 85-year-old man was referred to our hospital for further examination and treatment of an anal tumor 2 cm in size. Endoscopic ultrasonography revealed that the depth of tumor invasion was confined to the submucosal layer. Endoscopic mucosal resection was performed, and the tumor was diagnosed as a malignant melanoma. The patient was followed without any additional treatment, which was per his wishes. Although melanoma recurred 4 times thereafter, endoscopic mucosal resection was performed for each recurrent lesion. Thus, he has been alive for 9 years since the first endoscopic mucosal resection without distant metastases. If the depth of tumor invasion is shallow, endoscopic mucosal resection is a useful option among other therapeutic modalities.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anal Canal / pathology
  • Anal Canal / surgery*
  • Endoscopy / methods*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Melanoma / pathology
  • Melanoma / surgery*
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / pathology
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / surgery
  • Prognosis
  • Rectal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Rectal Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Rectum / pathology
  • Rectum / surgery*
  • Reoperation