How is Ulcerative Colitis diagnosed? Physicians diagnose
ulcerative colitis based on patients' clinical history, as
described above. The first goal of medical tests is to
differentiate ulcerative colitis from infection causes of
diarrhea. Accordingly, stool tests are performed to eliminate
the possibility of bacterial, viral, and parasitic causes of
diarrhea. Following this, the patient generally undergoes an
evaluation of the colon, using one of two tests. To perform a
sigmoidoscopy, the doctor passes a flexible instrument into Free
Accutane Case Evaluation the rectum and lower colon. This test
allows the doctor to visualize the extent and degree of
inflammation in these areas. A total colonoscopy is a similar
exam, which visualizes the entire colon. Using these techniques,
your physician can determine the category of disease to be
ulcerative proctitis, limited colitis, or pancolitis. The
investigation physician may take samples of the colon lining,
called biopsies, and send these to a pathologist for furthe