Your Guide to Dysplasia Caused by IBD
Colon dysplasia is typically detected and removed during routine colon cancer screenings.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a risk factor for developing dysplasia in the colon.
Dysplasia doesn't cause any symptoms. Having dysplasia doesn't mean you'll develop cancer.
Dysplasia simply means there are cells that have the potential to become cancerous. It's important to have them removed and to discuss what they mean with a doctor.
How is colon dysplasia diagnosed?
Doctors use several methods to diagnose colon dysplasia. Often, dysplasia is found during screening for colon cancer and colon polyps. Testing and screening methods include:
Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is a test that uses a tiny camera on a long and flexible tube to examine the inside of the colon and rectum. The tube is inserted carefully through the anus.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy: For this test, a slender tube with a tiny camera attached to the end is passed through your anus and into the bottom third of your colon.
Management of dysplasia in IBD
Generally, the affected area will be removed during a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. If there's only one area of low-grade dysplasia, you likely won't need any further treatment. However, you'll still need routine colonoscopies to make sure new areas of dysplasia don't develop.
If there are several areas of dysplasia or high-grade dysplasia, your doctor might take additional steps. For example, you may need to have a procedure called a bowel resection to remove part of your colon.
Dysplasia is precancerous. This means it's not yet cancer and can't spread or cause harm. It is considered a sign that cancer could develop in the future.
It's important to have any dysplasia removed and to ask your doctor about the grade, number, and location of your dysplasia. It's a good idea to know what a dysplasia finding means for you and how it may affect your IBD treatment in the future.
Your doctor might also want you to start having regular colonoscopies to monitor for additional dysplasia. The first colonoscopy after detection of dysplasia is done within 3-6 months. If no dysplasia is seen, your doctor may schedule a colonoscopy every 12 months for surveillance.
The exact frequency will depend on how severe the dysplasia was and on any other risk factors for colon cancer you have.
How serious is dysplasia in the colon?
Dysplasia can be low grade or high grade. Neither type is cancer, but both types are precancerous. High grade is more abnormal. It looks more like cancer under a microscope.
Dysplasia can be treated by removing it during a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy procedure. In many cases, this is all the treatment that's needed. Some people might need more complex surgery and regular follow-up screenings.
People who have IBD and dysplasia will need to have more regular colonoscopies to help prevent colon cancer from developing. Experts recommend that people who have had IBD symptoms for at least 8 to 10 years get a routine colonoscopy every 6 to 12 months.
Living with IBD
If you have IBD and need support, there are some great resources at your fingertips. Check out the links below:
Crohn's & Colitis Foundation: Browse the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation site to find online support groups, local meetups, community events, and more.
InflammatoryBowelDisease.net: On this website, you'll find a message board where you can connect with both healthcare professionals and other people with IBD.
IBD Support Foundation: The IBD Support Foundation offers a wealth of resources, including an online support forum, community support groups, crisis support, and more.
Hoag Virtual Support: Attend monthly virtual support meetings for people with IBD with Hoag Virtual Support Groups. Meetings are run by a clinical therapist or nurse practitioner.
Color of Crohn's and Chronic Illness (COCCI): People of Color with IBD and other digestive conditions can find support and community with COCCI.
Girls with Guts: Women of all ages with IBD can find resources, community, events, and more on the Girls With Guts site.
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