Diagnosis and treatment of anorectal malignant melanoma: a report of 25 cases / 解放军医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the biological characteristics and treatment of anorectal malignant melanoma. Methods A retrospective analysis of the clinical and pathological features and the results of surgical treatment of 25 cases with anorectal malignant melanoma admitted to the Haicheng Second People′s Hospital and General Hospital of PLA from 1985 to 2005 was made. Results There were 10 males and 15 females with their mean age of 59 years. 21 out of 25 cases underwent surgery. In 18 patients curative resection (Miles operation) was performed. Follow-up study was done in 20 cases for 4 months to 6 years. Five year survival rate of 25 cases was 12%. Five year survival rate of radical operation was 16.7%. Conclusion Anorectal melanoma is an aggressive malignant tumor. Prognosis is poor. Regional lymph node metastasis is the major factor in influencing prognosis. Radical operation and lymph nodes eradication are imperative. Early diagnosis and treatment are the key to raise the survival rate.