What Does This Colonoscopy Test Report Indicate?

Posted on Thu, 17 Aug 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 17 Aug 2017 Answered on

Fri, 8 Sep 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I recently underwent Colonoscopy, this was a diagnostic test done as I am 54 years old and the doctor wanted to have this done as a base line.

The test was essentially normal, except for one observation : "Abnormal mucosa in the Colon compatible with Melanosis Coli"
No actions have been given and the next colonoscopy was asked to be done in 10 years.

I did some reading about this and have some concerns -

1. What is the core cause of this?
2. Do people with Melanosis Coli more likely to develop colorectal cancer?
3. What other risks does this pose?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please follow...

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking.
I read carefully all your concerns and I can say as follows:
1. Melanosis coli is usually associated with laxative use for a long time.
2. To my opinion you has suffer from constipation for a long time and most probably you have used laxative like sena leaflet or other laxative drugs.
3. There is nothing yo be worried about melanosis coli.
There is no increased risk for cancer in patients like you with melanosis coli.
To my opinion you should avoid constipation using plenty of water and olive oil.
Wish you health.
If you have other concerns I would be glad to assist you.
Dr.Klerida

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (37 minutes later)

Hello,

thanks for your response. Yes, you are right. The nature of my work involves significant international travel and hence bowel movements is a challenge. To help with that style and some constipation, I have been taking "herbal" laxatives for some years now. This helps avoid constipation and regulate bowel movement when I am traveling. I do drink a lot of water - ~3 liters of water each day.

Are there other laxatives that are better and do not contain anthraquinone (which per my reading is the main contributor to Melanosis Coli)?
Thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (26 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please follow..

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
Sorry for my late.
Yes, you can use fiber packs , olive oil and duphalac to improve your symptoms.
Otherwise it is neccessary to increase physical activity.
Hope it was helpful to you.
Dr.Klerida

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar