Basal lymphoplasmacytosis

What does basal lymphoplasmacytosis mean?

Pathologists use the term basal lymphoplasmacytosis to describe large groups of specialized lymphocytes and plasma cells in the tissue that lines the inside of the colon. Because large groups of lymphocytes and plasma cells are not normally seen in the colon, basal lymphoplasmacytosis is used to support the diagnosis of chronic colitis. Chronic colitis is a condition where prolonged or chronic inflammation damages the colon and prevents it from working normally.

What causes basal lymphoplasmacytosis?

Basal lymphoplasmacytosis is caused by abnormal activation of the immune system. What triggers the immune system to become activated is not currently known. Other signs of prolonged inflammation in the colon are crypt distortion and Paneth cell metaplasia.

Conditions associated with basal lymphoplasmacytosis

This change is frequently seen in inflammatory bowel disease. Types of inflammatory bowel disease include Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Related articles

Chronic colitis

Chronic inactive colitis