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Definition
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Melena Definition
Common names:
  • Black Stool
  • Black Tarry Stools
  • Bowel Movements are Black
  • Melena
  • Stool is Black
  • Tarry Stool
A person with melena has black stool, which is caused by digested blood in the stool.

When blood enters the intestine, it is digested. The waste product of digested blood is black. The source of the blood is usually bleeding in the esophagus, stomach or small intestine.
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Last Updated: Mar 4, 2008  References
Authors: Stephen J. Schueler, MD; John H. Beckett, MD; D. Scott Gettings, MD
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