​Microscopic Colitis is Different From Other IBDs

​The Microscopic Colitis Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of those who have microscopic colitis. Many of the guidelines recommended for other IBDs do not work very well for MC, if they work at all...

Learn More

Medical Research

As with the other IBDs, many causes have been suspected, but no single cause has been verified by conclusive medical research.

Read More

Colitis Treatment

No FDA-approved medications are labeled for treating microscopic colitis. However, the disease can be treated by the use of medications labeled...

Read More

Disease Symptoms

Collagenous colitis (CC) was first medically described in 1976. It was described as a disease characterized by chronic watery diarrhea of unknown origin...

Read More

Our Support

Living with a chronic illness takes a toll on individuals both physically and emotionally. No one should ever feel alone.

Read More

At Least a Dozen Different Types of Microscopic Colitis
​Have Been Described to Date

The three most common forms of microscopic colitis are described below, and these are the ones that most gastroenterologists are familiar with, because they encounter these types the most frequently. While the diagnostic markers of the various forms of the disease are different, the symptoms and treatment of all forms of microscopic colitis are generally very similar. And while some medical professionals prefer to refer to the various types by their individual names, many simply refer to any of them as "microscopic colitis".

---

Lymphocytic Colitis

​​Lymphocytic colitis (LC) can only be diagnosed by examining slides made from biopsy samples taken from the mucosal lining...

Read more

×

Lymphocytic Colitis (LC) Overview

Lymphocytic colitis (LC) can only be diagnosed by examining slides made from biopsy samples taken from the mucosal lining (the epithelium) of the colon, under a microscope.

LC is diagnosed when there is an increase in the number of lymphocytes above a certain minimum count (more than 20 lymphocytes per high-power field). Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell. Otherwise, the appearance of the colon lining is typically normal, and the collagen layers in the subepithelial layer, known as the lamina propria, are of normal thickness.

Close

Collagenous Colitis

Collagenous colitis (CC) is diagnosed when there is an increase in the thickness of the collagen bands in the lamina propria...

Read more

×

Collagenous Colitis (CC) Overview

Collagenous colitis (CC) is diagnosed when there is an increase in the thickness of the collagen bands in the lamina propria. The number of lymphocytes present may or may not be elevated with CC. A collagen band thickness greater than 10 micrometers is considered to be diagnostic of CC.

Some medical authorities believe that collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis may be different phases of the same condition rather than separate conditions.

Close

Mastocytic Enterocolitis

Mastocytic enterocolitis (ME) is diagnosed when there is an increased number of mast cells in intestinal biopsies...​

Read more

×

Mastocytic Enterocolitis (ME) Overview

Mastocytic enterocolitis (ME) is diagnosed when there is an increased number of mast cells in intestinal biopsies. The increased number of mast cells is typically not associated with either systemic or cutaneous mastocytosis.

It is unclear whether the accumulation of mast cells is a response to, or cause of, the mucosal inflammation that causes the symptoms of the condition. Special stains (tryptase immunohistochemistry stains) facilitate identifying ME in biopsy samples.

When a slide made from a biopsy sample is examined under a microscope, a mast cell count greater than 20 mast cells per high-power field is considered diagnostic of ME.

Close

About Us

Together we can help the world to understand microscopic colitis and discover new and improved ways

Like so many others, we, the members of the board of directors of the Microscopic Colitis Foundation have microscopic colitis. By following the guidelines presented here, we and many, many, others have been able to successfully control our symptoms. We are committed to not only make the world aware of microscopic colitis, but to change the ways that the disease is treated, so that no one will have to suffer needlessly.

Read More

Download a Fact Sheet About Microscopic Colitis For Printing...

What is Microscopic Colitis? DOWNLOAD FILE

Sign up For The Microscopic Colitis Foundation Newsletter

The Microscopic Colitis Foundation Newsletter is emailed monthly to subscribers. There is no charge to subscribe. The first issue was published on October 1, 2015 and additional issues will be published monthly, and this publishing schedule will be continued until further notice. To sign up to have the newsletter sent to your email address whenever a new issue is published, please enter your email address and click on the "Subscribe" button.

---

Our Latest Newsletters

Read our latest newsletters. 

View Newsletters

​Our Latest Blog Articles

Read our latest blog posts.

Loading latest blog posts...

Visit Blogs

Empowering Awareness and Support

Microscopic Colitis

Learn More

​FAQ

Learn More

​Restroom Access Card​

Learn More