Several diseases may affect the colon, or large intestine, and the stomach:
- Colon cancer is the growth of abnormal cells in the colon. Cancer cells can spread to other organs and tissues throughout the body.
- Colon polyps are small growths on the lining of the colon or rectum, they can be either cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign).
- Crohn's Disease is a severe disease of the colon that causes ulcers and bleeding in the digestive tract.
- Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that can cause ulcers and bleeding.
- Stomach cancer is a disease caused by abnormal cell growth in the stomach. It begins in the cells that line the stomach and eventually may progress to other parts of the stomach and to organs beyond the stomach.
Because it's not possible to determine what kind of gastrointestinal disease is present through observation alone, your doctor may refer you for further testing, which may include performing a biopsy.
The Role of the Pathologist
The pathologist will examine your colon or stomach tissue biopsy sample and provide a diagnosis that will help your doctor formulate the most appropriate treatment plan for you.
More Information on Gastrointestinal Pathology
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