대한대장항문학회

<b>Purpose:</b> Anorectal melanoma is an uncommon tumor that comprises less than 1% of all malignancies of the anorectum.¹Its epidemiologic features, and clinical characteristics have not been well studied. We reviewed our experience in<br>management<br>of<br>malignant melanoma of anorectal region.<br><br><b>Methods:</b> Eight patients with malignant melanoma of anorectal region were treated at Seoul National University Hospital in the period of 1980∼2001. They represented 0.36% of the 2,246 patients with colorectal cancer seen at Seoul National<br>University Hospital during the same period.<br><br><b>Results:</b> Five patients were female. The median age was 60 years. Common presenting symptoms were decreased stool caliber (63%), and anal bleeding (50%). All lesions developed at the area between 2 ㎝ and 7 ㎝ from anal verge and could be<br>palpated<br>on digital rectal examination. Two patients had multiple hepatic metastases at initial presentation. Of the remaining 6, abdominoperineal resection was performed for 4 patients, and local excision for 2. During the follow-up period with median<br>length of<br>11 months, local recurrence occurred in 1 patient and distant metastases occurred in 3. Metastatic disease involved lung and/or brain. Five patients died during the follow-up period and the length of mean survival was 12 months.<br><br><b>Conclusion:</b> Malignant melanoma of anorectum seems to have a poor prognosis with an appreciable incidence of regional node metastases. Common symptoms were similar to those of common anorectal disease. But all lesions were palpable on<br>digital<br>rectal examination. Increased awareness of this rare condition may lead to early detection and therefore to improved results.<br>