PSEUDOMELANOSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Pseudomelanosis refers to a rare medical condition characterized by the appearance of dark or black discoloration in certain tissues of the body, particularly in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It is often observed during endoscopic or postmortem examinations. The term "pseudomelanosis" is derived from the Greek words "pseudos" meaning false, and "melas" meaning black, indicating that the discoloration resembles melanosis, which is the abnormal accumulation of the pigment melanin in tissues.
This condition is believed to occur due to the accumulation of iron sulfide granules, which are formed as a result of the breakdown of red blood cells. These granules deposit in certain tissues, causing them to appear black or dark brown. Pseudomelanosis can be found in various parts of the GI tract, including the lining of the stomach, small intestine, and colon.
The exact causes of pseudomelanosis are not yet fully understood. However, certain factors such as chronic kidney disease, gastrointestinal bleeding, the use of certain medications, and aging have been associated with its development. Pseudomelanosis is typically asymptomatic and does not require any specific treatment. However, it is essential to differentiate it from other conditions that may cause dark pigmentation in the GI tract, such as melanoma or GI bleeding, through appropriate diagnostic tests.
In conclusion, pseudomelanosis is a rare condition characterized by the presence of dark or black discoloration in the gastrointestinal tract. It is often benign and asymptomatic, but proper diagnosis is crucial to distinguish it from other potentially serious conditions.
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A dark greenish or blackish post-mortem discoloration of the surface of the abdominal viscera, due to the action of sulphureted hydrogen upon the iron of disintegrated hemoglobin.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PSEUDOMELANOSIS
- oseudomelanosis
- lseudomelanosis
- -seudomelanosis
- 0seudomelanosis
- paeudomelanosis
- pzeudomelanosis
- pxeudomelanosis
- pdeudomelanosis
- peeudomelanosis
- pweudomelanosis
- pswudomelanosis
- pssudomelanosis
- psdudomelanosis
- psrudomelanosis
- ps4udomelanosis
- ps3udomelanosis
- pseydomelanosis
- psehdomelanosis
- psejdomelanosis
- pseidomelanosis
Etymology of PSEUDOMELANOSIS
The word "pseudomelanosis" is derived from two Greek roots: "pseudes" meaning "false" or "pseudo", and "melas" meaning "black" or "dark". The ending "-osis" is a suffix in medical terminology that is used to indicate a condition or state. Therefore, the word "pseudomelanosis" can be understood to mean a condition that resembles or imitates melanosis (dark pigmentation), but is not truly melanosis.
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