Location of Chronic Colitis in Women

Chronic colitis, often referring to ulcerative colitis, affects both men and women similarly in terms of location. The specific area impacted can vary from person to person and is generally categorized into three main types:

1. Proctitis: This form of colitis affects only the rectum, where ulcerative colitis typically begins.

2. Left-sided Colitis: In this case, the inflammation extends beyond the rectum to involve the sigmoid colon and descending colon.

3. Pancolitis: This more severe type affects the entire colon, including the splenic flexure, transverse colon, ascending colon, and even the ileocecal region.

The broader the affected area, the more severe the inflammation and symptoms tend to be. Without timely management, the risk of developing colon cancer may increase significantly. For individuals with pancolitis lasting over 10 years, annual colonoscopies are strongly recommended to monitor for any early signs of colorectal cancer. Early detection plays a crucial role in preventing complications and improving long-term outcomes.