News

September 9, 2016

Hot bowels

T here are varied reasons for inflammation of the colon, including Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis and various less common categories. Patients with chronic colonic inflammation, more commonly known as “hot bowels”, have increased susceptibility to develop bowel cancer. Hence, it is important to check the colon in these patients at least every three years and sometimes more frequently. Patients that have such an increased risk of developing cancer often need to have multiple biopsies to search for pre-cancerous changes such as dysplasia in their bowel lining. The increased risk of bowel cancer can be reduced by taking anti-inflammatory agents such as Salazopyrin, Dipentum or various forms of Mesalazine. Previously, patients have had to have their bowel removed to prevent the development of bowel cancer. However, under close observation through colonoscopy with biopsy and anti-inflammatory medication, these days surgery is usually not required.

The Inside Story