US Medical Term · symptoms
Black, Tarry Stool (Melena)
Heces negras
Also: Melena (regional variant)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Black, Tarry Stool (Melena) |
| Spanish (Español) | Heces negras |
| Chinese (中文) | 黑色糞便 |
| Korean (한국어) | 흑색 변 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Phân đen |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Itim na dumi |
| Portuguese (Português) | Fezes pretas |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | อุจจาระสีดำ |
| Japanese (日本語) | 黒色便 |
What it means
Black, tarry stools — medically called melena — are dark, sticky, and foul-smelling and indicate the presence of digested blood in the digestive tract. This is usually a sign of bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract, such as from a stomach ulcer, esophageal varices, or a Mallory-Weiss tear. It is a serious symptom that requires prompt medical evaluation. Iron supplements or bismuth-containing medications like Pepto-Bismol can also produce dark or black stools, so it is important to inform your doctor about any medications you take. True melena should be distinguished from dark stools caused by diet or supplements.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My stool has been black and sticky like tar for the past two days.
Las heces han estado negras y pegajosas como alquitrán durante los últimos dos días.
The stool is very dark and has a strong, foul odor.
Las heces son muy oscuras y tienen un olor muy fuerte y desagradable.
I'm not taking iron or any supplements, so I don't know why my stool is black.
No tomo hierro ni suplementos, así que no sé por qué las heces están negras.
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
K92 Other diseases of digestive systemRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026