Sophia Brooks50 said:"A colonoscopy and ileoscopy were performed; the ileal mucosa appears normal, biopsy (vial 2). The colonic mucosa is pink, shiny, smooth, with a normal vascular pattern. The Bauhin valve looks normal. In the cecum, ascending, and oral transverse areas, numerous small submucosal follicles are visible, slightly lifting the mucosa to give a mild cobblestone appearance—the mucosa is paler on these elevations. Cecal-ascending biopsies (vial 2)."
I have dealt with chronic constipation for years, so I take quite a few laxatives—about 2 or 3 every single day. Why was a biopsy taken, and what could this potentially be about? Thanks for any clarity you can provide...
I am certainly no gastroenterologist, but I find myself agreeing with our colleague Nicholas Myers. The findings don't seem particularly striking. Those follicles are—as he noted—simply lymphoid tissue, which is a standard component of the digestive tract. In your case, however, that tissue is just a bit more prominent than average.
Whenever a finding deviates even slightly from the "standard," it is prudent to perform a biopsy—essentially using a second method to confirm exactly what we are looking at. In your situation, it's likely just to verify that it truly is lymphoid tissue. That seems to be the reasoning behind the doctor's decision during the procedure.
I will reiterate: nothing here sounds alarming or urgent. My advice is to remain patient and wait for the pathology report; without those results, neither you nor the rest of us can draw any real conclusions.
Jessica Davis6 said:Thank you for such a quick response!
The B12 and folic acid tests came back satisfactory; the levels are within the normal range.
Unfortunately, I consumed a fair amount of alcohol over the last few months. I haven't had anything to drink in the last two months, though.
So, are you suggesting I get my LDH rechecked? Generally, my blood work is fine, aside from the values I mentioned previously. Thank you again! 🙂
Since your vitamin levels are within the normal range, checking LDH won't be necessary.
Alcohol has a direct impact on bone marrow and the synthesis of blood cells; therefore, macrocytosis could potentially be caused by excessive alcohol consumption. Though, it is difficult to say for certain—especially when considering your age.
It will be necessary to recheck your CBC in three months from your last test.
If the MCV remains elevated, then further hematological investigation will definitely be required.
Walter Campbell27 said:Thank you so much 👍
The way they formatted this is completely muddled—they listed the reference range as 2-3.5, which is essentially the exact numbers a layman like me focuses on when comparing results against the standard scale—so seeing that recommendation there is just confusing. Still, the main thing is that everything is fine. 😉
It isn't that the report is poorly written; rather, your physician likely shouldn't have ordered a test specifically intended for patients on anticoagulant therapy (Vitamin K antagonists) or those with severe liver damage needing a MELD score calculation. In your case, checking the PV would have been sufficient.
So, to clear up any confusion, your INR levels are perfectly normal.
As for why this specific test was even requested in the first place—I'm afraid you won't get a logical answer even from your primary care physician.
Best regards.
