In the 'Symptoms - Bowel Movements' section of our in-depth questionnaire we ask the following question about black or tarry stools:
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Do you have black or tarry stools?
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Your answer |
...indicates |
...and suggests |
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"No / don't know" |
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"Yes, somewhat" |
Black or tarry stools |
A symptom |
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"Yes, very" |
Black or tarry stools |
A symptom |
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Your answer will affect the likelihoods of the conditions below.
Any answers in green reduce the likelihood of the condition.
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| Answers |
Condition |
Comment |
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A Potentially Urgent Medical Need |
Blood, as seen in the stool, can originate anywhere along the intestinal tract. A black stool (called melena) usually means that the blood is coming from the upper part of the tract. At least 4 Tablespoons (60ml) of blood must have been lost in order to make the stool black. Maroon-colored stools suggest that the blood is coming from the middle portion of the intestinal tract, and bright red from the large bowel or rectum. If stools change color suddenly, it can be evidence of internal bleeding which requires immediate medical attention.
The ingestion of black licorice, Pepto-Bismol, or blueberries can all cause black stools or false melena. Stools should be tested for the presence of hidden blood. |
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Carcinoid Cancer |
Significant blood in the stool from a carcinoid tumor can cause bowel movements to become black. |
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Gastric/Peptic/Duodenal Ulcers |
Bleeding from an ulcer may occur in the stomach or the duodenum, and sometimes is the only symptom. Rapid bleeding causes bowel movements to become black or even bloody. |
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Gastrointestinal Bleeding |
Black, tarry stools usually result from bleeding that occurs high up in the digestive tract - for example, in the stomach or first segment of the small intestine (duodenum); blood in the stomach turns black when exposed to stomach acid and enzymes. A single severe bleeding episode can produce tarry stools for as long as a week, so continuing tarry stools do not necessarily indicate persistent bleeding. |
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GLOSSARY
Duodenum (Duodenal)
First portion of the small intestine between the pylorus and jejunum, connecting to the stomach.
Enzymes (Enzyme)
Specific protein catalysts produced by the cells that are crucial in chemical reactions and in building up or synthesizing most compounds in the body. Each enzyme performs a specific function without itself being consumed. For example, the digestive enzyme amylase acts on carbohydrates in foods to break them down.
Milliliter (mL)
0.001 or one thousandth of a liter.
Small Intestine (Small Bowel)
The small intestine lies between the stomach and the large intestine. It is about 6 meters (20 feet) long and its primary function is to digest (break down) food and absorb nutrients (vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats). The small intestine makes up more than 70% of the length and 90% of the surface area of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Stomach
A hollow, muscular, J-shaped pouch located in the upper part of the abdomen to the left of the midline. The upper end (fundus) is large and dome-shaped; the area just below the fundus is called the body of the stomach. The fundus and the body are often referred to as the cardiac portion of the stomach. The lower (pyloric) portion curves downward and to the right and includes the antrum and the pylorus. The function of the stomach is to begin digestion by physically breaking down food received from the esophagus. The tissues of the stomach wall are composed of three types of muscle fibers: circular, longitudinal and oblique. These fibers create structural elasticity and contractibility, both of which are needed for digestion. The stomach mucosa contains cells which secrete hydrochloric acid and this in turn activates the other gastric enzymes pepsin and rennin. To protect itself from being destroyed by its own enzymes, the stomach’s mucous lining must constantly regenerate itself.
Tablespoon (Tablespoons, tbsp)
Equivalent to 15cc (15ml).
Tumor (Tumors, Tumour, Tumours)
An abnormal growth of tissue resulting from uncontrolled, progressive multiplication of cells and serving no physiological function; a neoplasm. Literally, a swelling; in the past the term has been used in reference to any swelling of the body, no matter what the cause. However, the word is now being used almost exclusively to refer to a neoplastic mass, and the more general usage is being discarded.
Ulcer (Ulceration, Ulcers)
Lesion on the skin or mucous membrane.
Last updated: Feb 28, 2008
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