Stools - pale or clay colored

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Lower digestive anatomy

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).

Jaundiced (yellow) skin often accompanies clay-colored stools.

The liver excretes bile salts into the stool, giving it a normal brown color. Obstruction to the flow of bile out of the liver (you may see the word "cholestasis"), or liver infections like viral hepatitis, may produce clay-colored stools.

Possible causes for clay-colored stool result from problems in the biliary system, and may include:

• Cancer or benign tumors
• Strictures (narrowings)
• Congenital anatomic problems (present at birth)
• Gallstones
• Cysts
• Medications
• Sclerosing cholangitis
• Biliary cirrhosis
• Protein or infectious infiltration
• Alcoholic hepatitis
• Viral hepatitis (A,B, or C)

The underlying cause should be investigated.

Review Date: 01/23/2006
Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.