Inflammatory bowel disease

Crohn's disease, also called regional enteritis, is a chronic inflammation of the intestines. It is most common in the ileum or lower portion of the small intestine but may occur anywhere in the intestinal tract. Ulcerative colitis is a similar inflammation of the colon, or large intestine. These and other IBDs (inflammatory bowel disease) have been linked with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

Reviewed By: Christian Stone, MD, Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.


