Can colitis turn into cancer?

Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 21, 2024
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Colitis is considered a benign lesion clinically and generally does not transform into cancer. Therefore, patients do not need to worry too much. The diagnosis of colitis mainly relies on colonoscopy. Most patients undergo colonoscopy due to abdominal discomfort or abnormal stools. The abdominal discomfort is primarily in the lower abdomen or lower left abdomen, presenting as pain and distension. Abnormal stools can clinically manifest as changes in the frequency of bowel movements, changes in stool texture to harder or thinner, and so on. Most patients do not exhibit alarming symptoms such as bloody stools, weight loss, or decreased appetite. Colonoscopy is frequently used clinically and can generally serve to differentiate between colitis and colon cancer. Most patients can tolerate a colonoscopy, so there is no need for patients to resist undergoing this examination.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Characteristics of colitis abdominal pain

The characteristics of abdominal pain caused by colitis generally include intermittent dull pain, and sometimes colicky pain might also occur, although colicky pain is less common. Patients with colitis may experience diarrhea or constipation, or alternating episodes of both. Diagnostically, colitis is primarily identified through colonoscopy, which can reveal congested, edematous, and eroded mucosa of the colon, potential inflammation, possible ulcers, and the formation of granulomas. For treatment, medications for ulcerative colitis, such as mesalazine, can be chosen. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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Transverse colitis is located in the transverse colon.

If you are asking about the location of abdominal pain due to transverse colitis, let's first understand the anatomical position of the transverse colon. The ends of the transverse colon are located under the spleen and the liver. During a colonoscopy, when passing through the hepatic flexure or splenic flexure, cystic spots are often found, which are shadows of the liver and spleen. Generally, in patients who are short and stout, the internal abdominal fat tends to hold the free transverse colon relatively fixed, arranging it in a straight line like the Chinese character "一". For thin and frail patients, lacking support, the transverse colon can sag. In patients who have had abdominal surgery, the intestinal structure may be disordered. Therefore, the abdominal pain associated with transverse colitis generally centers around or below the umbilicus on either side.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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What are the symptoms of colitis?

Colitis can be divided into acute and chronic types. If it occurs acutely, it generally presents symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and bloating. Some may experience fever, chills, and body aches. These can be diagnosed with routine blood tests and stool tests. If diarrhea recurs over a period exceeding two months, it suggests chronic diarrhea, such as chronic colitis, which is also characterized mainly by abdominal pain and diarrhea. In the case of inflammatory bowel disease, besides abdominal pain and diarrhea, a significant feature often includes hemolytic disease. A definitive diagnosis can be made with a colonoscopy, often accompanied by symptoms such as weight loss, fatigue, or anemia.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
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What medicine is used for colitis?

Colitis may involve choosing some medications that protect the intestinal mucosa and regulate the intestinal flora, along with other symptomatic treatments. If the intestinal inflammation presents as abdominal discomfort or significant illness, one might choose to use antispasmodic pain relief and antidiarrheal medications, which can generally achieve certain control. Ileitis is also relatively common clinically, with patients usually presenting with discomfort in stool or service and, after undergoing a thorough colonoscopy, inflammatory changes in the intestines are found, characterized by mucosal congestion, edema, and even scattered erosion and ulcer formation. Treatment options include oral medications, but in terms of diet, it primarily involves choosing clean, easily digestible foods and supplementing with some nutrients. Colitis generally presents with lower abdominal pain and discomfort in the lower left abdomen, typically occurring in paroxysmal attacks without specificity. (Please take medication under the guidance of a professional physician.)

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Colitis is what disease.

Colitis is caused by various reasons, leading to inflammatory lesions in the colon. Depending on the cause, it can be divided into nonspecific inflammatory changes and specific inflammatory lesions. It can be caused by bacteria, fungi, or parasites, with typical symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain. Severe anemia and intestinal dysfunction may occur. Due to repeated diarrhea, an imbalance of acid-base equilibrium can happen. Patients generally see a gastroenterologist and require long-term treatment, as well as dietary adjustments.