Can a biopsy tell the difference between Crohn's and UC?

[KMill0311]

I had a colonoscopy and endoscopy done a couple days ago and they took several biopsys. I recieved a call telling me I had inflammation of the intestines and esophogas. Can a biopsy tell the difference between Crohn's and UC? And since they found inflammation, am i clinically diagnosed with IBD now?

 

[Kris G]

First question: Yes, a biopsy can tell the difference between UC and Crohn’s. UC only affects the topmost layer of your bowels, and only in your colon (hence “colitis”). Crohn’s can be anywhere in your GI tract and affects all three layers.

Second question: No. You’ll need to hear specific confirmation of IBD, since there are lots of things that can cause inflammation in your GI tract. If you were to have IBD, however, it’s likely to be Crohn’s, as it presented in your esphogas.

 

[KMill0311]

First question: Yes, a biopsy can tell the difference between UC and Crohn’s. UC only affects the topmost layer of your bowels, and only in your colon (hence “colitis”). Crohn’s can be anywhere in your GI tract and affects all three layers.

Second question: No. You’ll need to hear specific confirmation of IBD, since there are lots of things that can cause inflammation in your GI tract. If you were to have IBD, however, it’s likely to be Crohn’s, as it presented in your esphogas.

What are some of the other things that can cause inflammation of the intestines?

 

[Anna's Bandit]

First question: Yes, a biopsy can tell the difference between UC and Crohn’s. UC only affects the topmost layer of your bowels, and only in your colon (hence “colitis”). Crohn’s can be anywhere in your GI tract and affects all three layers.

Second question: No. You’ll need to hear specific confirmation of IBD, since there are lots of things that can cause inflammation in your GI tract. If you were to have IBD, however, it’s likely to be Crohn’s, as it presented in your esphogas.

Thank You.
I didn't know this until today.
Take Care.

 

[Kris G]

Won’t let me quote, but here’s the answer to “What other things can cause inflammation of the intestines?”

Here’s some basic links on causes of inflammation in the esophagus and colon. (I’m new so it won’t let me actually link them, unfortunately.) Just as any informational article on possible causes of symptoms, don’t self diagnose and panic. Symptoms may occur without corresponding to any of these illnesses. If you are suspicious that you may have any of these, discuss it with your GI doctor.

Colitis:
emedicinehealth.com/colitis/article_em.htm#6_common_causes_of_colitis

Esophagitis:
webmd.com/digestive-disorders/esophagitis
healthline.com/health/esophagitis
health.harvard.edu/digestive-health/esophagitis-

Inflammation of the intestines is more commonly associated with IBD than anything, from what I can see in an initial search. Your doctor may run tests on the biopsies for Celiac Disease ( celiac.org/celiac-disease/understanding-celiac-disease-2/celiacdiseasesymptoms/ ) as well, since Celiac and IBD have been known to come in pairs. Genetic marker testing can also be done to see if you have the capacity to develop the disease.

Whatever your diagnosis may be, I wish you luck!