Anorectal melanoma: clinical features, recurrence and patient survival.

In this study, 20 cases of anorectal melanoma seen over a 50-year period were analyzed. It is common to mistake this tumor for other benign conditions because of its similar clinical presentation and the frequent absence of pigmentation. Patients with anal lesions had a significantly longer mean survival than those with rectal lesions. Abdominoperineal resection provided patients with a significantly longer survival than did local excision. In spite of radical surgery, recurrence rates were high and were mainly local, hepatic or disseminated. Earlier diagnosis and improved adjuvant treatment may lengthen survival.