Melanosis Coli Center - Saint Joseph, MO
Saint Joseph Gastroenterologist Doctors for Melanosis ColiType of Physician: Gastroenterologist What is a Gastroenterologist? A subspecialty certification by the Board of Internal Medicine; practitioners focus on the stomach, intestines, colon, liver, and gallbladder (digestive organs). The gastroenterologist treats conditions such as abdominal pain, ulcers, diarrhea, cancer, and jaundice and they consult with surgeons when abdominal operations are indicated. Specialty: Gastroenterology Common Name: GI Doctor Gastroenterologist Doctors in Saint Joseph * Heartland Gastroenterology  Heartland Gastroenterology  Heartland Gastroenterology  Heartland Gastroenterology  Heartland Gastroenterology  St Joseph Clinic PC  St Joseph Clinic PC  Mid America Gastro Intestinal Consultants  Mid America Gastro Intestinal Consultants  Mid America Gastro Intestinal Consultants  Mid America Gastro Intestinal Consultants  West Glen Gastrointestinal Consultants PA  Consultants in Gastroenterology PC  Consultants in Gastroenterology PC  Consultants in Gastroenterology PC  Consultants in Gastroenterology PC  Consultants in Gastroenterology PC  Consultants in Gastroenterology PC  Terrence W. Coleman, M.D., P.C.  Consultants in Gastroenterology PC  Consultants in Gastroenterology PC  Consultants in Gastroenterology PC  Gastrointestinal Associated Specialists PC  Gastrointestinal Associated Specialists PC  Plaza Gastroenterology Associates  Plaza Gastroenterology Associates  Plaza Gastroenterology Associates  Plaza Gastroenterology Associates  Plaza Gastroenterology Associates  Kansas City Gastroenterology & Hepatology LLC  Medical Group of Kansas City  Kansas City Gastroenterology & Hepatology LLC  Frederick N Shuler MD  Drs Fedotin & Ginsberg  Drs Fedotin & Ginsberg  Drs Fedotin & Ginsberg  Drs Fedotin & Ginsberg  Drs Fedotin & Ginsberg  Consultants in Gastroenterology PC  Consultants in Gastroenterology PC  Consultants in Gastroenterology PC  Consultants in Gastroenterology PC  Midwest Gastroenterology Partners PC  Midwest Gastroenterology Partners PC  Midwest Gastroenterology Partners PC  Gregory M Vardakis DO  Gregory M Vardakis DO  Gregory M Vardakis DO  Gregory M Vardakis DO  Gregory M Vardakis DO  John Anthony Woltjen MD  Summit Gastroenterology  Summit Gastroenterology  Summit Gastroenterology  Summit Gastroenterology Saint Joseph, MissouriUpcoming Local Events2012-06-02
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Melanosis ColiRead the Melanosis Coli article » What is melanosis coli?Melanosis coli is a condition usually associated with chronic laxative use in which dark pigment is deposited in the lamina propria (one of the lining layers) of the large intestine (colon). The pigment deposition results in a characteristic dark brown to black discoloration of the lining of the large intestine. 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 dark color of the intestinal lining may be uniform or patterned, and the discoloration may be slight or very pronounced. The intensity and pattern of the discoloration may even vary among different sites in the colon of a patient. The condition may also be reversed upon discontinuation of laxative use. In some cases, the wall of the colon appears normal to the eye, but microscopic evaluation of biopsies by a pathologist reveals areas of pigment in the colon's lining. The pigment in melanosis coli does not accumulate in polyps or tumors of the large intestine.
What are the symptoms of melanosis coli?Melanosis coli does not cause symptoms. What causes melanosis coli?Melanosis coli usually results from chronic use of laxatives of the anthranoid group. Some examples of anthranoid laxatives are senna and rhubarb derivatives. Many of these laxatives have been in use for hundreds of years. In 1997, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the use of the popular anthranoid laxative phenolphthalein due to fears that it might be carcinogenic (cancer-causing). Animal studies had shown that extremely high doses of phenolphthalein led to tumors in animals, but it has nev... Recommended Reading Related to Melanosis ColiConstipation facts
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