Colonic Diseases
Educational information. Individual clinical review of this presentation by Dr. Ehsan is not yet documented. It does not replace personal medical evaluation.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. Read the original source
MedlinePlus data edition September 26, 2026. Imported September 27, 2026. These dates do not indicate a new clinical review of the article.
Your colon, also known as the large intestine, is part of your digestive system. It's a long, hollow tube at the end of your digestive tract where your body makes and stores stool. Many disorders affect the colon's ability to work properly. Some of these include:
- Colorectal cancer
- Colonic polyps - extra tissue growing in the colon that can become cancerous
- Ulcerative colitis - ulcers of the colon and rectum
- Diverticulitis - inflammation or infection of pouches in the colon
- Irritable bowel syndrome - an uncomfortable condition causing abdominal cramping and other symptoms
Treatment for colonic diseases varies greatly depending on the disease and its severity. Treatment may involve diet, medicines and in some cases, surgery.
NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Symptoms, tests and care options
Further reading selected by MedlinePlus. Links open the original organizations’ websites.
- Colectomy · Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
- Colon Cleansing: Is It Helpful or Harmful? · Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
- Colon Resection Surgery · Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons
- Colonoscopy: MedlinePlus Health Topic · National Library of Medicine
- Lower GI Series (Barium Enema) · National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
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For a life-threatening emergency, call 911 in the U.S. or your local emergency number.
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