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.

Follow prescribed therapy.

If clay-colored or pale stools, dark (bloody-looking) urine, or jaundice (yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyeballs) appears, contact your health care provider.

The doctor will examine you and ask questions such as:

• Time pattern
  • When did this first occur?
  • Is every stool this way?
• Medications
  • What medications are being taken?
  • Have you changed medication in any way?
• Associated symptoms
  • Is there any abdominal pain?
  • Is there any jaundice?
  • Has there been darkening of the urine?
  • Is there diarrhea?
  • Is there any fever, chills, or night sweats?

The physical examination will include emphasis on the abdominal region. The findings may indicate a need for surgery.

Your doctor may perform:

• A full history, noting any medications or habits, such as heavy drinking or intravenous drug use
• Blood work, including liver function tests and tests for viruses
• Imaging studies, such as an abdominal ultrasound
• Endoscopy studies with a long, flexible scope passed through the mouth to the small intestine (ERCP, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography)

After seeing your health care provider:

If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider related to pale or clay-colored stools, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.