Logo American Journal of Case Reports

Call: 1.631.629.4328
Mon-Fri 10 am - 2 pm EST

Contact Us

Logo American Journal of Case Reports Logo American Journal of Case Reports Logo American Journal of Case Reports

26 October 2021: Articles  Brazil

Anorectal Mucosal Melanoma: A Case Report and Literature Review

Mistake in diagnosis, Unusual or unexpected effect of treatment, Rare disease, Educational Purpose (only if useful for a systematic review or synthesis)

José Donizeti de Meira Júnior1BCEF, Lucas Faraco Sobrado1DE, Vivian M. Guzela1ABD, Sergio Carlos Nahas1AD, Carlos Walter Sobrado1ABDE*

DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.933032

Am J Case Rep 2021; 22:e933032

0 Comments

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Anorectal mucosal melanoma (AMM) is a rare and aggressive neoplasm, with a 5-year survival rate of 10%. Due to its rarity and nonspecific symptoms, the diagnosis is often made late. Surgical resection remains the criterion standard for treatment of anorectal melanoma.

CASE REPORT: We present the case of an 81-year-old woman presenting with hematochezia, anal secretion, tenesmus, difficulty in defecation, and perianal pain. On physical examination, there was a prolapse of a 5-cm melanocytic nodule in the anal canal, hard on palpation. Biopsy confirmed anorectal melanoma. Staging revealed anal and metastatic disease, with adrenal, lymphatic, and hepatic involvement. As the patient continued to have bleeding, severe pain, and difficulty in defecation, she was submitted to a wide local excision. At 5-month follow-up, the anal lesion had relapsed, and the patient died 10 months after the procedure.

CONCLUSIONS: AMM is a rare and extremely aggressive tumor. Symptoms are nonspecific but early diagnosis should be pursued to allow curative treatment. Surgical resection with free margins is the goal of surgical treatment. New therapies are being studied, including immunotherapy, which can improve the dismal prognosis of this rare disease.

Keywords: Colorectal Surgery, Margins of Excision, Melanoma, Rectal Diseases, Aged, 80 and over, Anal Canal, Anus Neoplasms, Female, Humans, Rectal Neoplasms, Rectum

Background

Anorectal mucosal melanoma (AMM) is a rare and aggressive neoplasm, with a 5-year survival rate of 10% [1]. It accounts for only 0.4% to 1.6% of all melanoma and 0.5% of all anorectal cancer [1]. Typically, affected patients are older (sixth to eighth decades of life), white, and female [2]. Common presenting symptoms include pain, bleeding, anal mass, tenesmus, or constipation; therefore, it is usually discovered during rectal examination for other suspected anorectal disorders. Due to its rarity and nonspecific symptoms, the diagnosis is often made late, which contributes to the dismal prognosis [3]. AMM is often misdiagnosed as hemorrhoids, polyps, or colorectal cancer [3].

Surgical resection remains the criterion standard for treatment of AMM. The best procedure is still a matter of debate, and both wide local excision (WLE) and abdominal perineal resection (APR) are possible options [4].

We present a case of anorectal melanoma treated with local excision and a literature review of this rare tumor.

Case Report

An 81-year-old woman presented with hematochezia, anal secretion, tenesmus, obstipation, and perianal pain, which started 6 months before. She denied weight loss, diarrhea, pruritus, or inguinal mass. When she noticed the presence of blood in the stool and the appearance of an anal nodule, she went to a general practitioner, when she was diagnosed with thrombosed hemorrhoids.

She had a past medical history of arterial hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus. On physical examination, there was a prolapse of a 5-cm melanocytic nodule in the anal canal, hard on palpation, as shown in Figure 1. There was no evidence of inguinal lymphadenopathy or sphincter involvement on digital rectal examination. A biopsy confirmed anorectal melanoma. Complete colonoscopy was performed and ruled out synchronous lesions. Staging with computed tomography of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis was performed and revealed anal disease and metastatic disease, with adrenal, lymphatic, and hepatic involvement (Figure 2).

As the patient continued to have bleeding, severe pain, and difficulty in defecation, an anal tumor resection was suspected.

The patient underwent a wide local excision of the tumor, with a 0.5-cm radial margin, which required partial resection of the anal sphincter. She had an uneventful recovery, and was discharged on the second day after the procedure. A surgical specimen is shown in Figure 3. In the outpatient follow-up, the patient reported a significant improvement in symptoms.

The pathological examination demonstrated a pT4b melanoma, with a Breslow index of 28 mm, ulceration, microsatellitosis, vascular and perineural invasion, invasion of rectal mucosa, and 10 mitoses/mm3, as shown in Figure 4. Immunohistochemistry staining was positive for S-100 and HMB-45.

Consultation with the clinical oncology team led to a decision not to proceed with chemotherapy, due to absence of performance status and considering the patient’s advanced age, comorbidities, and metastatic disease with poor response rate. After 5 months, the anal lesion relapsed and the patient developed anal bleeding. One session of hemostatic radiation therapy (800 cGy) was performed in the anal canal for palliation. Death occurred 10 months after the surgical procedure, due to liver failure related to multiple liver metastases.

Discussion

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY:

AMM is a malignant neoplasm originating from melanocytic cells in the anorectal mucosa. Mucosal melanomas (MM) originate from melanocytes located in the mucous membranes of any part of the mucosal surface, most commonly in the mucosa of the oral cavity, pharynx, vulvovaginal, anorectal, and urinary tract.

MM has different somatic mutation profiles compared to cutaneous melanoma (CM); BRAF mutations are rare in MM, while mutations related to cell surface receptor tyrosine kinase activation (c-KIT) are identified more frequently [5].

CLINICAL PICTURE:

The symptoms are nonspecific, generally common to several anorectal disorders, such as hemorrhoidal disease, polyps, and squamous cell carcinoma, delaying the diagnosis and early treatment, as occurred with our patient. Zhang et al, in a Chinese study with a case series that included 79 patients with AMM, reported that in 46 patients the initial diagnosis was a benign anorectal disease [6]. Symptoms are usually more evident in larger tumors with deeper tissue penetration [1], and include pain, bleeding, anal mass, and constipation. The average time between the onset of symptoms and confirmation of the diagnosis varies between 4 and 8 months.

Differential diagnoses include hemorrhoids, polyps, and colorectal cancer. Hemorrhoids do not usually present with dark coloration at inspection. Polyps can present with an aspect and color similar to the normal mucosa, and colorectal cancer presents with an ulcerated friable mass. Although the differences can be remarkable, in some cases the melanoma does not present its characteristic dark color (amelanotic melanoma). In these cases, the differential diagnosis is far more challenging, and histopathological evaluation is essential.

DIAGNOSIS AND STAGING:

Histology and immunochemistry are required to confirm the diagnosis of AMM. Mucosal melanomas show high pleomorphism in the nucleus, are epithelioid spindle-shaped, and they often present melanin granules, as well as the proliferation of atypical junctional melanocytes and atypical melanocytic cells in the basal layer in the superficial epithelium [7]. Proteins S-100, HMB-45, and Melanin A are useful to confirm the diagnosis and help to differentiate it from other tumors [8] such as gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) and sarcomas. Either endoscopic ultrasound or pelvic magnetic resonance imaging should be used for local staging [5]. Systemic staging should be performed with head, thorax, abdomen, and pelvis CT scans.

Complete colonoscopy is indicated to rule out synchronous lesions. Endoscopic findings include nodule with black pigmentation, with friability and ulceration. The endoscopic appearance can help the differential diagnosis with adenocarcinomas and hemorrhoids [9,10].

The staging of AMM is divided into 3 stages: I, local disease; II, local disease with regional lymph nodes; and III, with distant metastasis [6]. The primary site for metastasis is the liver, followed by the lungs and bones [5]. The stage of melanoma is an independent factor for overall survival [11,12].

PROGNOSIS:

The anatomical location of AMM, whether anal, anorectal, or rectal, does not appear to influence disease-free survival or overall survival [13]. The main recurrence factors for MM are perineural invasion and tumor thickness [14,15].

The Breslow index measures the thickness of the lesion in millimeters, from the epidermis to the deepest tumor cells in the skin. The more superficial the lesion on removal, the better the prognosis [1].

Up to one-third of these patients already have metastasis at the time of diagnosis [4]. The prognosis of AMM is poor, which is partially attributed to the late detection of this rare entity.

Our patient had a tumor located in the anal region, and the pathological examination demonstrated a pT4b melanoma, with a Breslow index of 28 mm, ulceration, microsatellitosis, vascular and perineural invasion, invasion of rectal mucosa, and 10 mitoses/mm3, as well as metastasis to the liver.

Despite our patient presenting several poor prognostic factors, local resection was indicated due to the difficulty in defecation, pain, and bleeding, and was then sent for adjuvant therapies.

In up to one-third of MM patients at the time of diagnosis, the disease is in an advanced stage, and the surgical strategy (WLE or APR) may not influence the natural history of the disease, its clinical course, and overall survival [4,16,17].

TREATMENT:

The treatment of choice for localized disease is surgical resection, either by wide local excision (WLE) or abdominoperineal resection (APR). The standard surgical procedure is yet to be established. Despite the greater radicality of APR, results have not demonstrated improved survival. WLE is a feasible procedure when sphincter involvement it not a concern, and it minimizes the morbidity associated with the surgical procedure. Thibault et al reviewed 50 patients with AMM, and reported that the 5-year survival and recurrence rates for local excision and abdominoperineal resection did not differ [4]. Given that WLE is associated with less morbidity, with comparable survival, it is reasonable to consider it as the initial treatment choice. Palliative surgery may also be performed, such as a diverting colostomy in the setting of bowel obstruction [3].

In past decades, several adjuvant therapeutic options such as immunotherapy with alfa interferon, brachytherapy with 117-Caesium, and chemotherapy with dacarbazine, vincristine, and nimustine hydrochloride were developed. Alfa inter-feron is used particularly in patients with positive lymph nodes, and demonstrates a significant prolongation of overall survival and relapse-free survival [18]. The role of pelvic radiation has not been systematically examined [19]. Radiation can be used with a palliative intent for bleeding control, such as in the present case. Metastatic melanoma can be managed with dacarbazine in combination with interleukin-2, although the responses rates are very poor [3]. Patient performance status, comorbidities, and expectations must be considered to prescribe adjuvant therapy for metastatic AMM.

Immunotherapy is a promising strategy to treat advanced mucous melanoma [3]. Ipilimumab is an anti-CTLA-4 (cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4) monoclonal antibody that has an effect on T-cell-mediated antitumor immune response [20]. Nivolumab and Pembrolizumab are anti-PD1 (programmed-death) monoclonal antibodies that also target the T-cell-mediated antitumor immune response [3]. Nivolumab and Ipilimumab can be used in combination, with improvement of progression-free survival in patients with advanced melanoma [21]. KIT-mutated meta-static melanomas are susceptible to therapy with specific inhibitors. Hodi et al reported favorable results in patients with KIT-mutated rectal melanoma [22]. Complete remission was reported in patients with KIT-mutated melanoma who underwent treatment with sunitinib [23].

The literature suggests that AMMs are extremely heterogeneous in their mutations, and studying this variable tumor biology may allow the discovery of new target molecules with therapeutic implications.

Conclusions

AMM is a rare and extremely aggressive tumor. Surgical re-section with free margins should be achieved either by wide local excision or abdominoperineal resection. For locally advanced disease, palliative treatment is indicated for debilitating symptoms. New therapies are being studied, including immunotherapy, which may improve prognosis.

References:

1.. Weyandt GH, Eggert AO, Houf M, Anorectal melanoma: Surgical management guidelines according to tumour thickness: Br J Cancer, 2003; 89(11); 2019-22

2.. Chang AE, Karnell LH, Menck HR, The National Cancer Data Base report on cutaneous and noncutaneous melanoma: A summary of 84,836 cases from the past decade. The American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer and the American Cancer Society: Cancer, 1998; 83(8); 1664-78

3.. Malaguarnera G, Madeddu R, Catania VE, Anorectal mucosal melanoma: Oncotarget, 2018; 9(9); 8785-800

4.. Thibault C, Sagar P, Nivatvongs S, Anorectal melanoma – an incurable disease?: Dis Colon Rectum, 1997; 40(6); 661-68

5.. Beadling C, Jacobson-Dunlop E, Hodi FS, KIT gene mutations and copy number in melanoma subtypes: Clin Cancer Res, 2008; 14; 6821-28

6.. Zhang S, Gao F, Wan D, Effect of misdiagnosis on the prognosis of anorectal malignant melanoma: J Cancer Res Clin Oncol, 2010; 136; 1401-5

7.. Mikkelsen LH, Larsen AC, von Buchwald C, Mucosal malignant melanoma – a clinical, oncological, pathological and genetic survey: APMIS, 2016; 124; 475-86

8.. Ohsie SJ, Sarantopoulos GP, Cochran AJ, Binder SW, Immunohistochemical characteristics of melanoma: J Cutan Pathol, 2008; 35(5); 433-44

9.. Gupta R, Rathi PM, Sawant P, Endoscopic appearance of primary anorectal melanoma: Endoscopy, 1997; 29(3); 230

10.. Wang S, Sun S, Liu X, Endoscopic diagnosis of primary anorectal melanoma: Oncotarget, 2017; 8(30); 50133-40

11.. Singer M, Mutch MG, Anal melanoma: Clin Colon Rectal Surg, 2006; 19(2); 78-87

12.. Prasad ML, Patel SG, Huvos AG, Primary mucosal melanoma of the head and neck: A proposal for microstaging localized, Stage I (lymph node-negative) tumors: Cancer, 2004; 100; 1657-64

13.. Bello DM, Smyth E, Perez D, Anal versus rectal melanoma: Does site of origin predict outcome?: Dis Colon Rectum, 2013; 56; 150-57

14.. Duport C, Tiffet O, Perrot JL, Sentinel node mapping in anorectal melanoma: Ann Chir, 2006; 131(9); 550-52

15.. Perez DR, Trakarnsanga A, Shia J, Locoregional lymphadenectomy in the surgical management of anorectal melanoma: Ann Surg Oncol, 2013; 20; 2339-44

16.. Bullard KM, Tuttle TM, Rothenberger DA, Surgical therapy for anorectal melanoma: J AmColl Surg, 2003; 196; 206-11

17.. Yeh JJ, Shia J, Hwu WJ, The role of abdominoperineal resection as surgical therapy for anorectal melanoma: Ann Surg, 2006; 244; 1012-17

18.. Kirkwood JM, Strawderman MH, Ernstoff MS, Interferon alfa-2b adjuvant therapy of high-risk resected cutaneous melanoma: The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Trial EST 1684: J Clin Oncol, 1996; 14; 7-17

19.. Moozar KL, Wong CS, Couture J, Anorectal malignant melanoma: Treatment with surgery or radiation therapy, or both: Can J Surg, 2003; 46(5); 345-49

20.. Wolchok JD, Neyns B, Linette G, Ipilimumab monotherapy in patients with pretreated advanced melanoma: A randomised, double-blind, multi-centre, phase 2, dose-ranging study: Lancet Oncol, 2010; 11(2); 155-64

21.. Hodi FS, Postow MA, Chesney JA, Clinical response, progression-free survival (PFS), and safety in patients (pts) with advanced melanoma (MEL) receiving nivolumab (NIVO) combined with ipilimumab (IPI) vs IPI mono-therapy in CheckMate 069 study: J Clin Oncol, 2015; 33(15 Suppl.); 9004

22.. Hodi FS, Friedlander P, Corless CL, Major response to imatinib mesylate in KIT-mutated melanoma: J Clin Oncol, 2008; 26; 2046-51

23.. Minor DR, Kashani-Sabet M, Garrido M, Sunitinib therapy for melanoma patients with KIT mutations: Clin Cancer Res, 2012; 18; 1457-63

In Press

Case report  Japan

Dynamic Ultrasound Assessment of Celiac Artery Flow Velocity in Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome Diagnosis

Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.945253  

Case report  China

Recurrent Heterotopic Pregnancy Following Frozen-Thawed Embryo Transfer: A Case Study and Comprehensive Lit...

Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.945053  

Case report  Lebanon

Iron-Related Pseudomelanosis Duodeni in a Patient with Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Case Report

Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.945238  

Case report  Greece

Aortic Homografts in Surgical Management of Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis: A Case Series from Greece

Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.945030  

Most Viewed Current Articles

21 Jun 2024 : Case report  China (mainland) 57,564

Intracranial Parasitic Fetus in a Living Infant: A Case Study with Surgical Intervention and Prognosis Anal...

DOI :10.12659/AJCR.944371

Am J Case Rep 2024; 25:e944371

0:00

07 Mar 2024 : Case report  USA 42,502

Neurocysticercosis Presenting as Migraine in the United States

DOI :10.12659/AJCR.943133

Am J Case Rep 2024; 25:e943133

0:00

10 Jan 2022 : Case report  Germany 32,442

A Report on the First 7 Sequential Patients Treated Within the C-Reactive Protein Apheresis in COVID (CACOV...

DOI :10.12659/AJCR.935263

Am J Case Rep 2022; 23:e935263

23 Feb 2022 : Case report  USA 19,925

Penile Necrosis Associated with Local Intravenous Injection of Cocaine

DOI :10.12659/AJCR.935250

Am J Case Rep 2022; 23:e935250

Your Privacy

We use cookies to ensure the functionality of our website, to personalize content and advertising, to provide social media features, and to analyze our traffic. If you allow us to do so, we also inform our social media, advertising and analysis partners about your use of our website, You can decise for yourself which categories you you want to deny or allow. Please note that based on your settings not all functionalities of the site are available. View our privacy policy.

American Journal of Case Reports eISSN: 1941-5923
American Journal of Case Reports eISSN: 1941-5923