Melanosis coli is a disease that leads to the darkening of the lining on the large intestine making it brown or black. The doctors usually come across this discoloration during normal colonoscopy screening programs and not due to any complaints made by the patient. The article will respond to the frequently asked questions about melanosis coli (黑腸病) such as its causes, risk of cancer, mode of detection, and available options in its treatment.
What to know about melanosis coli
What is melanosis coli?
Melanosis coli refers to the harmless darkening of the colon of its inner lining, which can typically be brown, black or dark gray. This not only results in pigmentation in the cells of the intestinal wall and it does not mean that it is inflamed or diseased. The disorder, in itself, is painless, has no bleeding, and does not lead to the alteration of bowel habits.
What causes melanosis coli to develop?
The dark pigmentation is brought about by long term use of the stimulant laxatives, especially those that have anthraquinones. Ordinary culprits are senna, cascara and laxatives that contain these substances made of herbs, usually due to persistent constipation. The pigment is not formed immediately; they start the lax measures; it is built up over a few months or years of accumulation of the laxatives.
Does melanosis coli cause cancer?
No, comprehensive studies have demonstrated that melanosis coli cannot cause any risk at all in relation to colorectal cancer. Research on patients with this condition over a long period of time shows no increase in the cancer rates as opposed to those without the pigmentation. The dark stain merely accumulates in the cells without harming the DNA or causing abnormal growth.
How do doctors detect melanosis coli?
This condition can only be diagnosed by colonoscopy which involves the use of a flexible camera that checks the whole large intestine. The dark spots are unique with a light tan to deep black color, and usually, speckled or striped. The patient is not able to sense or visualize the finding himself, and only after waking up after the colonoscopy they are informed of this finding.
Can melanosis coli be reversed or treated?
The dark pigmentation, however, will tend to disappear with time when the use of the stimulant laxatives is ceased. The natural cell turnover in the colon slowly replaces the pigmented cells with non-pigmented cells as soon as the laxative trigger is discontinued. There is no drug or even procedure that accelerates this process, the trick is simply to get rid of the cause.
Why does exercise help prevent melanosis coli?
Exercise, as much as a twenty minutes a day walk, helps in natural bowel motions without the use of laxatives. Work out enhances the blood circulation to the digestive tract and enables food to pass efficiently through the intestines. Individuals who exercise also complain of less constipation and less need to use any laxatives.
Are there any dietary changes that help reverse melanosis coli?
A diet high in fibre promotes normal bowel movements and so there is no temptation of the use of stimulus laxatives. Fibre rich foods such as beans, oats, berries and nuts increase the bulk of stool thus easily passing naturally. Slowly increasing fibre/ and adequate intake of water, avoids the gas, and bloating which may be experienced with a rapid change.
Conclusion
Melanosis coli is a non-harmful darkening of the colon lining as a result of the chronic use of stimulant laxatives. This situation is not associated with cancer and is fully reversible once the incriminating laxative is ceased. Patients ought to concentrate on the management of chronic constipation using less risky, non-stimulant options instead of the concern about the pigmentation.
