Diagnosed with minor dysplasia in rectum...

Hey all,

I recently got called by my GI regarding possible minor Dysplasia in my rectum after my Endoscopy on March 1st. Now unfortunately, I couldn't really talk to him for very long and still have many, many questions. Long story short, just hoping to get some clarification...

First off, how concerned should I be? I was told over the phone that I shouldn't stress over it too much as the affected area was small but when you start throwing terms around like 'precancerous', I can't help but be a little worried.

Also, for treatment options, is there anything else besides surgery? (I am 25 if that makes any difference). I really rather like my colon (Despite the love/hate relationship over the past few years). Also, in the mean time, are there any natural treatments that will prevent it from spreading or advancing further in severity until I see my GI again (May 8th...)

I've had a recent Flare as well, is it safe to continue medication? I'm on 1G Pentasa suppositories and 1G of Sulfasalazine (oral) daily. I also have been taking probiotics, omega 3s, multivitamin daily.

Finally, are there any overlapping symptoms for both dysplasia and UC Flares? I've managed to stop the bleeding with my medication but I still get thin stools/weakly formed stools, lower abdominal discomfort, lots of gut sounds after a good month and a half of treatment.

Anyway, just hoping to get a bit of peace of mind. Thanks in advance for your replies.

Cheers.

Hi sCary-
Welcome to the forum.
I had a colonoscopy in October of 2011 where one tissue sample appeared to be dysplasia (precancerous tissue). My GI followed the American Gastro Assoc (AGA) Guidelines and recommended total colectomy. (I've had UC for 10 years.)
After extensive research, I said "No!" and opted for more frequent scoping (the alternative he did not mention).
Had 2 more colonoscopies during the following 12 months.
No dysplasia was found in over 100 tissue samples taken.
Now my GI is recommending annual colonoscopies.

He told me that my colon is in pretty good shape except for some inflammation in the left side so I asked for and received a scrip for mesalamine enemas. Hope to erradicate the remaining inflammation.
Also continuing generic colazal (balsalaside) as I have taken during the past 10 years.

Bottom Line: Don't let anyone talk you into anything you aren't convinced you'll need (like surgery).

I don't think there are any "symptoms" for dysplasia. I believe it's the result of chronic inflammation, resulting in cellular abnormality.
You can check out the exact explanation.

I am not convinced that the whole colon must be removed. Seems like they could target the area where cancerous cells develop if it comes to that. I'm planning to hold out for that type of procedure.

During the past 18 months I've changed my diet, eliminating lactose and most gluten; cutting back on sugar; taking L-glutamine daily for colonic repair. Also used LDN during 2012.
Lately I drink a mix of aloe and slippery elm before bedtime, sometimes mixing in a couple of capsules of probiotics.
Still take probiotics every morning.

Hope this gives you some peace of mind.
IAS

sCary the best way to keep your dysplasia from 'spreading' is to minimize the inflammation in your colon. Unfortunately dysplasia, precancerous changes, and eventually cancer are an inevitability if you live long enough with active UC inflammation. Surgery is recommended because it is possible for dysplasia to become cancer and spread beyond the colon in the time between scopes, and once that happens you'll need surgery AND cancer treatment (chemo/radiation/etc).

Really sorry to hear you're facing this at such a young age. When my colon was removed the pathologist said that there wasn't dysplasia yet but would have been within a couple years if I hadn't had it removed. UC is a pretty ****ing crapty disease, huh?