Pseudomelanosis coli
The answer to today’s quiz is pseudomelanosis coli, or more commonly, just melanosis. It’s caused by abuse of laxatives. More specifically, it’s the prolonged use of a type of laxative called senna or senokot.
You see, this patient was having constipation. He took senna over-the-counter habitually. Over a long period, he developed the patchy pigmental deposits in the lining of the colon which is characteristic of melanosis. It is actually harmless. Treatment is directed at the cause of the constipation. Or educating the patient regarding the normal expectations of healthy bowel movement.
Here is an article about melanosis coli on medicinenet.com. And here are some more photos of melanosis coli.
These laxatives are herbal preparations that have been in use for hundreds of years. There is some evidence that it can cause tumours in animals but there’s no data for human colon cancer. Having a drug that had been used for long time doesn’t mean that it’s safe. Neither does it’s herbal origin make it safe. Consult your friendly neighbourhood doctor when you have constipation 
The pictures are very geli leh, but a very educational post. Thank you for sharing.
LOL, does this mean using a myriad of laxatives will dye your internal organs in a myriad of colours? Ha ha
Happysurfer, this one is pretty izzinit?
jonzz, haha… quite an imagination :-)… only the electricians will have colour-coded organs.
Is taking psyllium husks daily, ok? Me, the dr.quack, have been recommending it to her unsuspecting patients. GULP!
BTW..since I talk so much crap..I thought I would be a very good candidate for colonic cancer..ha ha! Actually, I have a strong family history…plus..with all the crap I’ve been eating..isn’t doing my god-given colon a chance!
I don’t have constipation problem but for someone with that problem, what will the friendly blogger doctor recommend?
doctor mott, psyllium husk is ok.. it comes under the heading of bulking agents. It’s basically fibre in a convenient form.
It’s just that taking vege, fruits and whole-grains offer so much more nutrients besides plain old fibre. And more fun too. And more diversity.
So, even for bulking agents, i’d say… use it for a short term only, on a PRN basis (medispeak for “when necessary”).
You’re right, a strong family history, particularly if 2 or more first degree relatives had colorectal cancer, is a risk factor. Watch your crap!!
just me, right.. for that “someone”…. seriously, the most common advice that would be applicable to most is to increase the fibre in the diet. Perhaps the rest of the details will be a topic of a proper discourse (post), eh? Hehe.