What causes black, tarry stools (melena)?
Disease description:
I’ve recently experienced some abdominal pain during bowel movements, and my stools have been black. What causes black stools with bleeding?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Cheng Yicheng
Black stool (melena) may indicate gastrointestinal disorders such as duodenal ulcers, gastric ulcers, or gastric polyps. In patients with liver disease, black stool may also result from bleeding due to rupture of esophageal or gastric fundal varices. Additionally, black stool with bleeding may occur in cases of intestinal tumors or intestinal polyps.
