Melanoma of Anal Canal

Abstract

Malignant melanoma is a neoplasm of melanocytes or of the cells that develop from melanocytes. Once considered an uncommon disease, the annual incidence of melanoma has increased dramatically over the last few decades. Melanomas originate from melanocytes, which arise from the neural crest and migrate to the epidermis, uvea, meninges, and ectodermal mucosa. The melanocytes, which reside in the skin and produce a protective melanin, are contained within the basal layer of the epidermis, at the junction of the dermis and epidermis.