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Confused over biopsy results

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charlotte_95442
charlotte_95442

My biopsy report says ‘Focal reactive change’ what does this mean?

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • etheremail
    etheremail charlotte_95442

    Posted

    I’m not quite sure where the biopsy  has been taken. In the oesophageal tract it is usually caused by continuous acid reflux and means the lining is reacting because of the continuous irritation. Usually easily sorted nowadays. If it’s in the gut it might indicate inflammatory bowel conditions (like colitis) but it all depends on the context. I would get your doctor to spell it out because it may not be much at all.
    • charlotte_95442
      charlotte_95442 etheremail

      Posted

      Okay thankyou. The biopsy was taken from the large intestine as I have suspected crohns/Colitis.
    • etheremail
      etheremail charlotte_95442

      Posted

      That would fit. But it may be and hopefully is a very early pre-ulceration stage which they can medicate now. Very best of luck. David.
    • charlotte_95442
      charlotte_95442 etheremail

      Posted

      It would be good to get a diagnosis with all the symptoms I’m getting. Can Colitis be pre-Ulcerative before it gets worse then?
    • etheremail
      etheremail charlotte_95442

      Posted

      Colitis itself is inflammation of the colon. It can be extensive or patchy. Long term inflammation can cause the lining surface to break down and ulcerate and that is ulcerative colitis as I understand it and of course there are other IBDs such as Crohn’s. The problem with the gut is that symptoms are very similar with many conditions affecting it from innocuous conditions like IBS through to more serious things. The gut itself doesn’t feel pain once you are past the rectum which is why they can do biopsies and remove polyps without pain. But it does sense stretching so anything that sets up gas or affects motility will be felt. When I had IBS many years ago it could be very, very unpleasant and yet in reality it was not serious in any way. So, the symptoms alert you to there being trouble in the colon but are not necessarily a good guide to the underlying seriousness or the absence of it. Obviously all conditions have a beginning and the great advantage of colonoscopy is that it stands a good chance of picking up potential trouble early on either to be able to treat it or, if they want to wait and see, to alert them and you to having checks in the future to see what is happening.
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