Can Colitis Lead to Cancer?

There is generally no direct link between colitis and cancer. Colitis is often a non-specific inflammation of the colon, and during a colonoscopy, the bowel needs to be cleaned, which can cause mucosal swelling. In such cases, the gastroenterologist may report signs of colitis. However, this type of inflammation is not related to colorectal cancer.

That said, certain types of colitis do carry an increased risk of cancer. Ulcerative colitis, for instance, is associated with a higher chance of developing colon cancer. Ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the colon, causing recurring ulcers that do not heal easily. This chronic inflammation leads to repeated cycles of tissue damage and repair, which can cause scarring and cellular changes over time.

As the disease progresses, the colon may become narrowed, and the mucosa may stiffen, which can be detected through imaging or colonoscopy. Studies show that patients with long-standing ulcerative colitis have a 5% risk of developing cancer. Therefore, regular colonoscopic surveillance is strongly recommended for these patients. Early detection through routine checkups significantly improves the chances of successful treatment.

In summary, while most cases of colitis are not cancerous, those with chronic forms like ulcerative colitis should be monitored closely to detect any malignant changes at an early stage.