Thanks for your responses - the debate continues . . . can't seem to find the word melenotic in my books yet apparently you can. Perhaps that's the answer - melenotic not melanotic? Still wondering?

Yes, Debby, isn't the support wonderful. I have really learned a lot. Thanks a million to all concerned and helpful individuals who are willing to go above and beyond to support fellow MTs. You are wonderful!
[This message has been edited by Chezzer (edited December 07, 1999).]

[This message has been edited by Chezzer (edited December 08, 1999).]

Melanotic= 1. Black
2. Pertaining to melanosis

Melenic and melenotic both listed as adjective forms of melena.

(Melanosis is defined as, 1. Unusual deposit of black pigment in different parts of body. 2. Disorder of pigment metabolism.)

HTH.

Lori

[This message has been edited by RedSonya (edited December 07, 1999).]

HTH,

Debby

[This message has been edited by stargazer (edited December 07, 1999).]

Per Vera Pyle:

quote:

---

melanotic: referring to the presence of melanin. Often confused with melenic. Melenic stools not melanoticstools.

---

quote:

---

melenic: referring to or marked by melena, as in melenic stools.

---

The entry I referred to in my earlier post was for melenotic, with an "e" that characterizes that word as an adjective for melena, per Taber's. So, I think that we are finding two words in our references, melanotic and melenotic, per Taber's. BTW, I did not find melenotic in Stedman's. This is not to say Taber's is the definitive answer, just that is seems to have a justification.

Think I will see what I find elsewhere.

In reading Annie's post yet again, I see she does mention both words. Sorry, Annie, I can't remember posts when I am replying. Still, my point is I find both entries in one reference and only one entry in my other reference. I'm am trying to see what will happen if I find yet another reference in addition to VP, Taber's, and Stedman's. I'm off to search.

Debby

[This message has been edited by stargazer (edited December 07, 1999).]

quote:

---

melanotic pertaining to or characterized by the presence of melanin.

---

quote:

---

melena the passage of dark, pitchy and grumous stools stained with blood pigments or with altered blood.

---

quote:

---

melenic marked by melena.

---

melenotic not in Dorlands.

[This message has been edited by MARY CHRISTMAS (edited December 07, 1999).]

I had this discussion with another MT a while back, and she sent me three pages on the melenotic/melanotic question. The issue was raised with Dr. John Dirckx, physician and linguist, who writes for the JAAMT, on whether melenotic was a legitimate term since it is not found in two of the most widely used medical dictionaries.

He said:

quote:

---

"Melenotic 'refering to melena' is no more irregular in formation than amniotic, congressional, diphtheritic, operatic, psoriatic, syphylitic, and countless other adjectives that no one dreams of questioning."

---

My personal preference is to use 'melenic'; however, if a doctor insists on tacking on the "otic" and expects to see it typed that way, it appears that you can legitimately offer 'melenotic'. Melanotic, however, does not refer to melena and should never be used as such.

Lisa

I had a report yesterday where the doctor stated the pt had maroon stools. Does this sound right? Pt did have blood in the stool and a fair amount of it.

Sam

I hope my post last night didn't sound (or read) snippy. I did not mean it that way. I was so tired when I posted and later started worrying about it.

I was wondering what Dorland's would say. I found the info regarding Dr. Dirckx (sp?) comments very interesting as well. I wonder what he would say about a patient being topicalized.

Regards to all of you super sleuths.

Debby