Melanosis Coli
From: What an exciting week!
What is it?
Melanosis coli is a condition in which dark pigment characteristic dark brown to black discoloration is deposited in one of the lining layers (lamina propria) of the large intestine (colon). This condition is sometimes called pseudomelanosis coli because the pigment deposits consist of a pigment known as lipofuscin and do not contain melanin as implied by the term “melanosis.” Lipofuscin is a cellular pigment that forms when cells are destroyed, often called “wear and tear” pigment that can be found throughout the body.
The discolouration may be uniform or patterned. The pigment in melanosis coli does not accumulate in polyps or tumors of the large intestine.(refer pic below)
Cause?
Chronic use of laxatives of the anthranoid group like senna and rhubarb derivatives, many of which have been in use for hundreds of years. In 1997, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the use of these popular anthranoid laxative due to fears that it might be carcinogenic (cancer-causing).
The anthranoid laxatives pass through the gastrointestinal tract unabsorbed until they reach the large intestine, where they are changed into their active forms, which causes damage to the cells in the lining of the intestine and leads to cell death. The damaged cells appear as darkly pigmented bodies that may be taken up by scavenger cells known as macrophages. When enough cells have been damaged, the characteristic pigmentation of the bowel wall develops.
Symptoms?
None
Diagnosis?
By colonoscopy
Outcome?
1.Reversible and may disappear upon cessation of laxatives
2.Presence of melanosis coli might signal an increased risk for the development of colorectal cancer. This association is however weak as it is not proven in human but only in animal studies.
January 22nd, 2007 at 12:24 am
Patient may come in later due to complications of cancer as you said no symptoms?
January 22nd, 2007 at 12:32 pm
No this condition only has no symptoms. They will have symptoms when the growth becomes big e.g obstruction or bleeding or altered bowel habit. But people with these condition should be on close watch for any colonic growth.
January 22nd, 2007 at 3:06 pm
oh…
January 22nd, 2007 at 11:54 pm
Aiyah, lu punya blog macam lokter Chan punya lah, kena put “warning sign”, now sudah tengok “melanosis coli” then mau telan gua punya instant loodle pun susah. :o)
Eh, your “Sri George” stall set up ady. Come see if you like, if no like can awes change wan no problem.
January 23rd, 2007 at 12:00 pm
Thanks FH, I think my stall looks nice. Thanks
January 23rd, 2007 at 4:43 pm
People use anthranoid laxative for constipation prob? If that the case, Fibre can do the job right?
January 23rd, 2007 at 6:30 pm
There are many reasons to having constipation. In general, lots of fluid and lots of fibre should help improve ones bowel habit