Metastatic melanoma of the small bowel as a cause of occult intestinal bleeding

Abstract

Metastatic melanoma of the small bowel is a pathological entity that is not frequently reported but may present with features of unexplained anaemia. We report a case of a 51-year-old man with occult intestinal bleeding due to metastatic melanoma of the small bowel. Although the diagnosis was somewhat delayed, the patient was managed successfully by small bowel resection. Careful investigation of melanoma patients with gastrointestinal symptoms is important as surgical intervention often results in improved quality of life and survival.