Anorectal Melanoma

Hi Bluetroubador45e78c and welcome to Macmillan and the Bowel Group.

I haven’t had the same diagnosis, but noticed your post as I’ve had my rectum removed and have a permanent colostomy for a different type of cancer.

While you’re waiting for responses, you might want to take a look at Macmillan’s information on this cancer here-

Anorectal Melanoma

We also have a dedicated group for stoma support here-

Stoma Support Group

I did have a look for other posts mentioning this cancer in the bowel group, but haven’t been able to find any. That’s not to say that someone with the same cancer may read your post and reply. My reply will nudge your post up to the top of the discussion list again.

Sarah xx

Hi Bluetroubador and welcome to the group - you'll find there's lots of friendly advice. I'm new too and with what seems to be a similar tumour. Mine is in the anorectal area and they've put in a stoma ahead of radio & chemotherapy, followed by surgery. They've not said yet what the surgery will be (depends on response to the treatments I guess?) but I wouldn't be surprised to lose rectum and anus. I'm very narrow there from previous removal of extensive polyps anyway so that would make sense. My stoma is a colostomy and - from what I've read on here and been told by patients in hospital - a colostomy is easier to deal with than an ileostomy.  I've had the colostomy for about 2 weeks now, and it is certainly liveable with :)

Hello and thanks for your message. I am due to see the colorectal consultant this Friday and hopefully get a date for surgery. The tumour is very close to the anus so a wide excision was not possible. A few melanoma cells were found in a polyp at the other end of the bowel. I think the plan is for immunotherapy after surgery to try and deal with that. I will ask about it and hopefully get a clearer idea. I thought I had a haemorrhoid back in May/June but was not diagnosed until I went for private treatment in September. It’s been a long and scary journey so far. I’m almost looking forward to the colostomy as the tumour is a nightmare to manage. All the very best to you. 

I know what you mean :) The colostomy is easier to deal with than the constant constipation caused by narrowing of the rectum and anus, and having to use laxatives to get things moving. To be honest, if I get through it all safely, I'm not sure I'd have a reversal even it was possible!  All the best for Friday.

Thank you for replying. I am due surgery 4th December. Removal of rectum and permanent colostomy. Also closing up with mesh which is pig skin now apparently. I think it will be a relief to not have to deal with the tumour/bowels anymore but I’m still nervous of it all. 

Hi Bluetroubador45e78c 

Yes, it’s very natural to be nervous of surgery, but you’ll have your trust in surgeons and staff who are very skilled at what they do. 

For me, thought of my surgery was much worse than the reality. Mine involved removing more than my rectum, including my bladder, womb and vagina so I was nervous but desperate to get it all over with! I’m still here and considered cured, so I’m very glad i went through with it. 

Best wishes for your op and I hope you’ll update us when you are on the road to recovery.

Sarah xx