Symptom Finder - Hematemesis and Melena
Hematemesis and Melena
Surely a physician is going to consult a gastroenterologist and prepare the patient with hematemesis and/or melena for endoscopy; however, one can help the gastroenterologist by looking for signs of cirrhosis such as caput medusae, hemorrhoids, ascites, jaundice, hepatosplenomegaly, spider angiomata, palmar erythema, and so on. In addition, look for signs of hereditary telangiectasia on the tongue and mucous membranes. Here again a tourniquet test should be a part of the clinical evaluation.
Surely a physician is going to consult a gastroenterologist and prepare the patient with hematemesis and/or melena for endoscopy; however, one can help the gastroenterologist by looking for signs of cirrhosis such as caput medusae, hemorrhoids, ascites, jaundice, hepatosplenomegaly, spider angiomata, palmar erythema, and so on. In addition, look for signs of hereditary telangiectasia on the tongue and mucous membranes. Here again a tourniquet test should be a part of the clinical evaluation.