Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), in the form of Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn’s Disease, is considered a high risk condition for the development of colorectal carcinoma (CRC). Previous studies,based predominantly upon patients with Ulcerative Colitis, have demonstrated an 18% chance of developing CRC after 30 years of disease . Although IBD accounts for less than 1% of colorectal cancers diagnosed, IBD associated CRC has been shown to carry a higher mortality rate compared to CRC arising in average risk populations . Although surveillance has never been shown to have a positive effect on mortality, guidelines on screening and surveillance have been established for this specific population. These current guidelines based upon expert opinion focus on the detection of dysplasia and identification of patients who will benefit from closer, more frequent endoscopic screening and surveillance. The risk for development of CRC is not uniform for all IBD patients and different patient characteristics and disease manifestations need to be taken into account. Review of specific risk factors as they relate to CRC development in the IBD population and the current screening/therapeutic guidelines for these patients.

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Last date updated on September, 2024