The Open Gastroenterology Journal

2013, 7 : 1-3
Published online 2013 August 05. DOI: 10.2174/1874259901307010001
Publisher ID: TOGASJ-7-1

Primary Melanoma of the Right Colon Presenting With Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Busuttil Gerald , Blazic Ivan , Caruana Dingli Gordon , Agius John and Babic Darko
Department of Surgery, Mater Dei Hospital, Tal-Qroqq, MSD 2090, Malta.

ABSTRACT

A 73 year old female presented with painless fresh rectal bleeding and anaemia. At colonoscopy, a large mass arising from the right colon was visualised and biopsied. Histological evaluation established a diagnosis of melanoma. Thorough clinical examination confirmed the presence of primary localised melanoma which was amenable to resection.

At laparotomy, right hemicolectomy and lymphadenectomy were performed. Two years after her surgery, our patient is well without any evidence of disease recurrence.

Primary melanoma of the colon is a very rare clinical entity and limited data are available regarding its pathogenesis, treatment and outcome. Primary surgical resection in localised disease appears to be the mainstay of treatment, although the role of adjuvant therapy is still to be established.

Keywords:

Melanoma, Right colon, Gastrointestinal bleeding, Anaemia, Colonoscopy.