Typical mucosal pigmentation seen in melanosis coli

Melanosis coli is a pigmentation of the rectal and colonic mucosa due to use (or abuse) of anthraquinone type laxatives. Histologic specimens show numerous macrophages containing a granular dark pigment in the lamina propria. Withdrawal of the offending laxative, which nearly always can be substituted with a bulk laxative, is sufficient treatment.

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