Definition of Stools - pale or clay-colored:
Stools that are pale, or clay- or putty-colored may result from problems in the biliary system (the drainage system of the gallbladder, liver, and pancreas).
Considerations:
The liver releases bile salts into the stool, giving it a normal brown color. You may have clay-colored stools if you have a liver infection or if the flow of bile out of the liver is blocked.
Yellow skin (jaundice) often accompanies clay-colored stools.
Common Causes:
Possible causes for clay-colored stools may include:
- Alcoholic hepatitis
- Biliary cirrhosis
- Cancer or benign tumors
- Cysts
- Gallstones
- Medications
- Sclerosing cholangitis
- Strictures (narrowings)
- Structural problems in the biliary system that are present from birth (congenital)
- Viral hepatitis
This list may not be all inclusive.
