Biopsy-Proven Melanosis Coli Initially Diagnosed As Candidiasis on Colonoscopy: A Report of Two Cases From North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Melanosis coli is a benign condition, often identified as an incidental finding during colonoscopy, characterized by brown or black pigmentation of the colonic mucosa due to lipofuscin deposition within the cytoplasm of cells. It has been linked to the excessive use of laxatives, particularly those that are anthraquinone-based but also stimulant laxatives and herbal remedies. White patches on colonoscopy in this condition are an extremely rare finding.We present two cases of 31-and 38-year-old, male Nigerians, with a history of chronic constipation and prolonged stimulant laxative use in whom colonoscopy findings of white patches on the colonic mucosa were confirmed on histology to be melanosis coli.Melanosis coli should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with chronic constipation and/or prolonged use of laxatives or herbal remedies who exhibit mucosal changes on colonoscopy even if these changes are not black or brown discolorations.

Chronic California herbal tea use causing biopsy-proven Melanosis coli

“…Melanosis coli is an acquired benign condition, often identified incidentally during colonoscopy, characterized by dark to brown pigmentation of the colonic mucosa due to lipofuscin deposition within the cytoplasm of cells. 1 , 2 This condition was first described by Andral and Cruveilhier in 1830. 1 , 3 Melanosis coli usually develop in those who use laxatives chronically, particularly those containing anthracene derivatives.…”

“… 1 , 2 This condition was first described by Andral and Cruveilhier in 1830. 1 , 3 Melanosis coli usually develop in those who use laxatives chronically, particularly those containing anthracene derivatives. 1 The active ingredients having a laxative effect are also commonly present in natural herbal teas.…”

“… 1 , 3 Melanosis coli usually develop in those who use laxatives chronically, particularly those containing anthracene derivatives. 1 The active ingredients having a laxative effect are also commonly present in natural herbal teas. 4 When the active forms of these laxative molecules pass into the lining of the large bowel, it results in cell damage and death.…”

“…3 It affects both sexes equally and is typically seen in individuals over the age of 45, possibly due to the fact that older persons are more prone to chronic constipation and hence the use of laxatives. 1 , 5…”

Solitary Breast Human Cysticercosis Simulating Benign Tumor in a Young Female

“…The common sites of involvement are brain, skeletal muscle, subcutaneous tissue and eye. Breast is an unusual site and only a handful of cases have been reported in the literature till today [1,2,3,4]. Herein, we describe an isolated case of breast Cysticercosis in a young unmarried vegetarian female that was primarily diagnosed as Fibroadenoma by the clinicians.…”