A heterogeneous, idiopathic, chronic, relapsing, inflammatory condition that is immunologically mediated. Disease activity is triggered by environmental factors that transiently break the colonic mucosal barrier, stimulate immune responses, or alter the balance between beneficial and pathogenic enteric bacteria. There is also a genetic component that can be broadly characterized as causing defects in mucosal barrier function, immunoregulation, or bacterial clearance. Over time, there is an increased risk of  colorectal cancer.

 Inflammation

 Inflammatory Bowel Disease-Associated Cancer