Self-Shrinking Colon Masses in Just 2.5 Weeks?
Greetings everyone, I'm revisiting my previous discussion with some updates and additional queries. I'm a 27-year-old female, and to sum it up succinctly: I recently underwent a colonoscopy where two ulcerated masses were discovered but not biopsied at that point. Fast forward 2.5 weeks to my follow-up colonoscopy, where my physician initially aimed to take biopsies of the masses, only to discover they had significantly reduced in size, appearing flattened and healed. One left behind a singular reddish spot, while the other formed a cratered scar. In my earlier post, I shared images and findings which you can find linked at the end, but I completely understand if that's a lot to take in at once. My doctor consulted with her colleagues after the initial procedures, and they had never encountered masses resembling mine, speculating on the possibility of lymphoma or some inflammatory issue. On the day of my follow-up, she mentioned a colleague had also consulted with an NIH expert who hypothesized it could be tumefactive Crohn's disease. Post the second colonoscopy, my doctor suggested the masses might be a rare result of a prior C. diff infection, which is quite unusual. She expressed doubt about it being tumefactive Crohn's since such masses typically wouldn’t diminish without treatment. Consequently, she prescribed a GI stool profile and PCR test. However, I remain quite skeptical of the C. diff explanation for various reasons. To outline my concerns: 1. I received treatment with Vancomycin two months prior to the first procedure. Though my stool consistency improved slightly, I still experienced loose stools and occasional blood presence. It seems illogical that masses attributed to C. diff would subsequently appear and then resolve so rapidly. 2. The stool profile revealed positive results for C. diff toxins A/B. However, this merely indicates the presence of genes producing these toxins, which doesn’t confirm active infection since I might just be a carrier. Remarkably, my physician didn't opt for a specific test to detect the toxins (like an EIA test) even though it was an option, so I didn’t pursue it either. 3. A biopsy of one mass's resulting crater showed focal acute colitis without any signs of chronicity. Following discussions with the pathologist, they agreed that the colitis was most indicative of resolving infectious colitis. I cannot help but wonder, if this was indeed caused by C. diff, wouldn’t there be stronger indications of pseudomembranous colitis? The only variable changing between the scopes was timing; the first colonoscopy coincided with day two of my menstrual cycle. At that time, I had a non-hormonal IUD, and I've always felt ovulatory pain, which I believe occurred a few days following the second colonoscopy. This led me to consider endometriosis as a possibility. I have suffered from heavy and painful menstrual periods, which began over a year after my Paraguard was placed. I consulted a gynecologist specializing in endometriosis, who suggested it was improbable for the masses to be a result of endometriosis extending into the colon—indicating that its presence in areas like the ascending colon is as rare as occurring in the brain or lungs. Nevertheless, he acknowledged my concerns were valid, and while he was doubtful about endometriosis, he stated it wasn’t entirely out of the question. His practice generally avoids surgical diagnosis for endometriosis, favoring hormonal therapies instead. He replaced my IUD with a hormonal one three weeks ago. What could potentially lead to masses that spontaneously reduce and heal? I often find myself haunted by the uncertainty of not having those masses biopsied during the first colonoscopy. If they shrank on their own, could they recur? I suspect that the GI specialist I’ll be seeing soon might suggest a repeat colonoscopy, but given the circumstances, it feels like an uncertain gamble whether any findings will differ from the first. Today, I have an appointment with my primary care physician to discuss a round of blood tests and hopefully arrange for a more targeted stool examination that checks explicitly for toxin presence. This would provide a clearer overview for the new GI specialist I’ll be meeting. I'm open to sharing further details regarding my symptoms if needed, which revolve around ongoing fluctuations in bowel habits. Lately, I've been dealing with bouts of constipation, a new experience for me, along with bloating and abdominal discomfort. I've unintentionally lost 15 pounds as I discovered that moderating my intake seems to aid my digestive system, opting for an extremely bland diet. Thanks a lot for sticking with me through this lengthy post. I'm eager for any thoughts, insights, or paths forward beyond my appointment with another GI specialist.
Answers (1)
8/25/2025, 9:01:59 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're undergoing a challenging and concerning situation with these colon masses and the various possibilities being discussed. It's understandable to feel uncertain and anxious about the few options presented thus far. Here's a structured response to your questions about these spontaneously reducing masses and potential next steps.
Key Points
- The reduction in the size of your colon masses could indicate healing from a self-limiting inflammatory process rather than a malignancy.
- Since C. diff infection and its potential effects are on the table, further testing is crucial to understand your condition.
- Preparing for your upcoming appointments with focused questions and information can help clarify your situation.
Explanation
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Potential Causes of Masses: The fact that your masses significantly reduced in size could suggest multiple things:
- Inflammation: Sometimes, specific infections or inflammatory processes can lead to temporary masses that resolve as the inflammation subsides. This aligns with your biopsy results showing acute colitis.
- Infectious Colitis: A previous C. diff infection could lead to inflammation, leading to mass-like appearances in the colon. While this can usually cause clear signs of pseudomembranous colitis, individual responses can vary.
- Other Conditions: Although the potential for endometriosis affecting the colon is considered low, it isn't impossible. Some types of inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn's) may also mimic these findings.
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Ongoing Symptoms: Your ongoing symptoms of constipation, bloating, abdominal discomfort, and weight loss indicate that further evaluation is warranted. These could be linked to your bowel health or a separate issue.
Next Steps
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Test Preparation: Since you have an appointment for blood tests and more targeted stool tests:
- Ensure the stool test checks for active C. diff toxins (EIA or PCR), which may provide clarity on the infection status.
- Request that any results be discussed comprehensively with your upcoming GI specialist for context.
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Document Symptoms: Keep a detailed symptom diary noting your bowel movements, any changes in diet, the occurrence of pain or discomfort, and emotional health. This chronicling will help your doctors make better-informed decisions.
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Questions for Your New GI Specialist:
- Ask about the need for a repeat colonoscopy and what they hope to achieve from it.
- Inquire about other diagnostic options, including imaging studies if warranted.
- Discuss your concerns about endometriosis or other conditions that could be contributing to your gastrointestinal symptoms.
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Diet & Lifestyle: Continue your bland diet if it seems to help, but gradually incorporate some fibrous foods if tolerated, as these may assist with constipation over time.
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Prepare Emotionally: It's completely valid to have anxiety regarding uncertainty, so consider speaking to a counselor or joining a support group if you're feeling overwhelmed.
Conclusion
Your situation is complex and requires careful attention, so advocating for yourself and pushing for the necessary tests and discussions with your healthcare providers is essential. Keep an open line of communication with your primary care physician and upcoming GI specialist, and focus on obtaining clear answers to help guide your path forward. If you have further updates or symptoms to discuss, feel free to share.
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