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 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 Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Can people with colitis eat lotus root?

Patients with colitis can eat lotus root. For dietary considerations, patients should avoid spicy and irritating foods, and also avoid strong tea, coffee, and spirits. It's also important not to eat unripe vegetables and fruits but instead consume vitamin-rich vegetables regularly and in measured amounts. Since lotus root is not considered a spicy or irritating food, it is suitable for colitis patients to consume. Patients should also avoid overeating, prefer small frequent meals, establish a routine for bowel movements, and avoid foods with too much coarse fiber.

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Written by Wang Zhen Quan
Colorectal Surgery Department
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What should you not eat with colitis?

So what foods should we avoid for patients with colitis? First of all, we should try not to eat milk and seafood, because milk and seafood are types of foreign proteins to the human body, which could potentially become allergens. Because colitis patients are likely to experience colonic allergies after consumption, resulting in worsened diarrhea, so it is advisable to avoid these foods as much as possible. Secondly, we should minimize the consumption of high-fat foods, because patients with colitis have poor digestive functions, particularly weak in digesting fats. Incompletely digested high-fat foods can cause "slippery gut" leading to diarrhea. Over time, the accumulation of fats can also induce complications such as fatty liver, etc. Therefore, foods high in fats such as lard, cream, walnuts, peanuts, almonds, etc., should be avoided or eaten sparingly. Third, it is important to eat less gas-producing food: because colonic inflammation in colitis, due to chronic and recurrent episodes, causes alternation of ulcers and scar fibrosis in the colonic mucosa, which reduces the elasticity of the colonic inner wall. Consuming more gas-producing foods, such as sweet potatoes and soybeans, may cause acute intestinal dilation due to the filling of gas in the intestines, or even lead to complications such as ulcer perforation. Fourth, eat fewer vegetables containing coarse fiber: the fiber in vegetables can absorb intestinal water and have a laxative effect, which might aggravate diarrhea. Therefore, foods high in coarse fiber like celery, crown daisy, cabbage, spinach, etc., should be consumed in limited quantities.

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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 Feng Ying Shuai
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Which part of the body is moxibustion applied for colitis?

For patients with colitis, moxibustion can be performed. How should the moxibustion points be selected? First, local points can be used, which are on the abdomen. Commonly chosen points include the Tianshu and Dachangshu points, as well as Zhongwan and Daheng. Moxibustion can be performed using moxa sticks with suspension or ginger separation techniques. For distal points, the Sanyinjiao point can be chosen, as well as the lower union point of the large intestine and the Shangjuxu point for managing chronic colitis. Additionally, the Gongsun and Yinlingquan points can be selected to regulate the stomach and intestines, achieving the effects of warming the meridians, promoting circulation, relieving pain, and balancing the digestive system.