Primary anorectal mucosal melanoma detected by anorectal cytology

Diagn Cytopathol. 2017 May;45(5):452-455. doi: 10.1002/dc.23675. Epub 2017 Feb 3.

Abstract

The detection of primary anorectal melanoma on anal cytology is a rare and challenging diagnosis. We report a case where anorectal cytology showed isolated malignant cells with oval nuclei, prominent nucleoli, and elongated wispy cytoplasmic projections. There was no evidence of squamous dysplasia or melanin pigment identified. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a primary anorectal melanoma detected in anorectal cytology. Detection of malignancies other than squamous cell carcinoma can be seen on anorectal cytology and should be considered when there is no evidence of anal intraepithelial neoplasia. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2017;45:452-455. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Keywords: anal melanoma; anorectal pap test; mucosal melanoma; pap smear.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anal Canal / pathology
  • Anus Neoplasms / complications
  • Anus Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Anus Neoplasms / genetics
  • Anus Neoplasms / pathology
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics*
  • HIV Infections / complications
  • HIV Infections / diagnosis*
  • HIV Infections / genetics
  • HIV Infections / pathology
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • MART-1 Antigen / genetics
  • Male
  • Melanoma / complications
  • Melanoma / diagnosis*
  • Melanoma / genetics
  • Melanoma / pathology
  • S100 Proteins / genetics

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • MART-1 Antigen
  • S100 Proteins