Melanosis is a hyperpigmentation condition caused by excessive melanin deposits in the skin or other tissues, often benign and caused by a disturbance in melanin production or metabolism. Types include melanosis coli, smoker’s melanosis, ocular melanosis, and oral melanosis. It should always be examined by a doctor, but most cases are harmless.
Melanosis is a condition in which the skin or other tissue is abnormally darkened by excessive deposits of the pigment melanin. This hyperpigmentation is also known as melanism and is caused by a disturbance in the production of melanin or in the body’s metabolism. The disorder occurs in humans and other animals.
Found in most living things, melanin is the pigment that determines skin color in humans. People who have higher levels have darker skin. Freckles and moles are the result of localized concentrations of melanin in the skin. It is also present in human hair and eyes.
Melanosis occurs when too much melanin is produced and deposited in the body’s tissues. Common types of this condition are melanosis coli, smoker’s melanosis, and ocular melanosis. Except for the last, most types are benign conditions and many correct themselves when the causal factors are removed.
When deposits of dark pigment on the lining of the colon or large intestine cause a brown or black discoloration, melanosis coli occurs. The condition is a bit of a misnomer because there is no melanin in this particular pigment. This discoloration, which has no known link to colon cancer, is commonly caused by chronic laxative abuse. It has no symptoms and is usually seen or diagnosed during a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. When a person stops using laxatives, the discoloration in the colon will lessen and eventually disappear over time.
Smoker’s melanosis is hyperpigmentation found in the mouth. It is generally associated with smoking but can be found in some non-smokers, appearing as irregular dark patches in the underlying tissue of the mucous membranes. The spots almost always disappear when the person stops smoking. This condition is benign and is not a precursor to mouth cancer.
Ocular melanosis is also known as eye melanosis and affects about one in 5,000 people. This is a congenital condition that is a known risk factor for an eye cancer called uveal melanoma. It can also cause a condition called pigment dispersion syndrome, in which fluid cannot drain properly from the eye. The increased fluid causes increased pressure in the eye and can lead to glaucoma. This condition should be closely monitored by an ophthalmologist.
Oral melanosis is the development of dark spots inside the mouth. The stains are similar to those resulting from smoking, but are not caused by it. It is more common in dark skinned people.
Developing dark spots on the skin or other tissue should always be examined by a doctor. He or she will be able to determine if there is cause for concern. If the diagnosis is melanosis or melanism, the condition is probably harmless.
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