Bezoars are concretions or masses that form within the digestive system of animals (including humans) and are composed of various indigestible materials, such as hair, fiber, or seeds. They are usually found in the stomach or intestines, although they can also occur in other parts of the gastrointestinal tract.
These masses are formed when indigestible substances accumulate and clump together, becoming trapped within the digestive system. Bezoars can range in size and texture, from small and gritty to large and hard. They can be classified into different types based on their composition, including trichobezoars (hair bezoars), phytobezoars (plant-based bezoars), or pharmacobezoars (medication bezoars).
Historically, bezoars were a subject of great fascination and were believed to possess magical or medicinal properties. In the past, they were highly sought after and used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, ranging from poisoning to digestive disorders. Today, however, their significance in medical practice has diminished significantly, with their occurrence being relatively rare.
Bezoars can sometimes be asymptomatic and remain undetected, while in other cases, they may lead to symptoms like abdominal pain, vomiting, lack of appetite, and weight loss. Treatment typically involves endoscopic procedures, where a scope is used to remove or break up the bezoar, allowing it to pass through the digestive system naturally. In certain instances, surgery may be necessary for bezoar removal.
Overall, bezoars are unusual formations occurring within the digestive tract that impede the normal passage of food and waste materials, warranting medical attention and intervention.
