Focal active colitis is a pattern of tissue injury associated with inflammation in the colon. “Focal” means that the changes are only seen in parts of the tissue examined. “Active” means that the tissue injury and inflammation are ongoing or of recent onset. The changes seen in this condition are usually mild and the surrounding …
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Collagenous colitis is an inflammatory condition associated with an increased number of immune cells within tissue lining the inside of the colon. The inflammation and subsequent damage prevent the colon from functioning normally. This condition belongs to a group of related conditions called microscopic colitis. This group includes lymphocytic colitis which shares many features with …
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Lymphocytic colitis is a pattern of injury caused by an increased number of immune cells within the mucosa that covers the inside surface of the colon. This leads to inflammation and damage which prevents the colon from functioning normally. What are the symptoms of lymphocytic colitis? People with lymphocytic colitis can develop watery diarrhea that …
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What is microscopic colitis? Microscopic colitis is a non-cancerous condition caused by an increased number of immune cells within the mucosa that covers the inside of the colon. This leads to inflammation and damage which prevents the colon from functioning normally. There are two types of microscopic colitis: lymphocytic colitis and collagenous colitis. What are …
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A crypt abscess is a collection of specialized immune cells called neutrophils inside the colon. It is an example of acute inflammation and is often seen in a condition called active colitis. What does this look like under the microscope? The inside of the colon is covered by epithelial cells that connect to form structures …
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Cryptitis is a word pathologists use to describe inflammation involving the tissue inside the colon. The inflammation is caused by specialized immune cells called neutrophils. It is an example of acute inflammation and is often seen in a condition called active colitis. What does cryptitis look like under the microscope? The tissue on the inside …
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Chronic active colitis is a condition where immune cells attack and damage cells on the inside of the colon. It is a pattern of injury that can be seen in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. What are the symptoms of chronic active colitis? Inflammation in the colon damages the cells …
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