Gastrointestinal Pathology: Large Intestine: Carcinoma of the Caecum: Melanosis Coli

Beatrice C., aged 42, was admitted for vague generalised abdominal pain, with vomiting and diarrhoea. She had first noticed a lump in the right iliac fossa six weeks previously and it had increased in size steadily. Examination showed it to be "stony hard" and fixed, and barium enema showed almost complete obstruction, with a large filling defect. A two-stage resection was performed by Mr. W.D. Doherty, and followed by uneventful recovery.