What Is Thickening of the Bowel?

Originally written by Jody Ehrhardt, updated by the editorial team on 20th May 2026

Mrs Sharon Mitchell asks

Can you explain what thickening of the bowel is?

What bowel wall thickening means

Bowel wall thickening refers to a condition where the lining of the bowel becomes swollen, enlarged or firmer than usual. Normal bowel wall thickness varies depending on location within the digestive tract and whether the muscle is contracted, but the wall should remain flexible enough to move waste through effectively.

When the wall thickens, this movement can become restricted. The bowel may struggle to contract properly, which can slow down the passage of waste and cause discomfort or other symptoms.

Thickening is typically detected through imaging tests such as CT scans, MRI or ultrasound, or directly visualised through colonoscopy. Bowel wall thickening is not a diagnosis but an observation that necessitates further diagnostic workup. In some cases, mild thickening is an incidental finding with no significant underlying pathology.

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Why the bowel wall thickens

A common reason for bowel wall thickening is inflammation. When tissue in the body becomes irritated or infected, it tends to swell as part of the immune response. If this inflammation continues over time, the affected tissue can become permanently altered, sometimes developing scar tissue.

Several conditions can trigger this inflammatory response in the bowel:

Crohn's disease, which causes patches of inflammation throughout the digestive tract
Ulcerative colitis, where inflammation affects the colon and rectum
Coeliac disease, an autoimmune reaction to gluten
Infections caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites
Diverticulitis, an infection of small pouches that can form in the bowel wall
Radiation enteritis following cancer treatment
Bowel cancer, which may cause localised thickening

Thickening can also result from reduced blood supply to part of the bowel, known as ischaemic colitis. Bowel obstruction and fluid retention from conditions such as congestive heart failure are additional causes. Whether thickening is localised to one area or spread more diffusely can help guide diagnosis.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

How it is usually found

Bowel wall thickening often shows up during scans carried out for other reasons, or when investigating symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss or bleeding. Some people experience nausea or a feeling of fullness depending on the underlying cause.

If thickening is detected, your doctor will usually arrange further tests to identify the underlying cause. This might include blood tests, stool samples or a colonoscopy to examine the bowel directly. NHS guidelines support the investigation of bowel symptoms, and your GP can refer you to a gastroenterologist if needed.

What happens next

Treatment depends entirely on what is causing the thickening. Inflammatory conditions like Crohn's disease or colitis are often managed with medication to reduce inflammation and control symptoms. Infections may require antibiotics.

If cancer is suspected, you will be referred urgently under the NHS suspected cancer pathway for further assessment. When initial investigations prove inconclusive but symptoms persist, your doctor may recommend surveillance imaging or repeat testing.

Early investigation can often lead to better outcomes, so speak to your GP if you have ongoing digestive symptoms. Organisations such as Crohn's and Colitis UK and Bowel Cancer UK offer reliable information and support.

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40 questions

Ask Tummy Trouble a Question

Gloria 18/04/2018 at 11:26 pm

I had a virtual colonoscopy and was told I had a thickened left colon. I have acute bouts of lower left abdominal pain which is becoming more frequent. I pass stools about once or twice a week with rabbit dropping type stools daily. The pain is debilitating. I have to have some pictures taken next month of my colon. What treatment is there? I also have a cyst on my liver?

BABY GIRL TN 15/04/2018 at 8:27 pm

HI CAN SOME BODY TELL ME WHAT MILD SMALL BOWEL VERSUS
IN THICENING RELATED TO UNDERDISTENTION MEAN?

Misdy 20/11/2017 at 6:12 am

I use Walgreen's Senna for my severe constipation. I've tried many products, including Senokot, but I found that Walgreen's brand is the only one that works for me. Almost 10 years ago, a physician's assistant told me to begin taking the senna and to increase the dose until I found the right dose for me. I did so, and alter the dose as needed. I was taking 5 every night, until cervical spine surgery 1 year ago and my pain medication was increased. I now take between 5 & 8 tabs every night. When there's a day that I don't have a stool, I increase the dose that evening. If that doesn't work, I increase again each night until it does work, then I work my way back down to 5 tabs.
FYI: A gastroenterologist told me that it's OK to use Senna, but that it does make the colon brown and is possible to make it difficult to see a problem in the colon, but nothing else works for me, so I pray I'll be OK. I just had a CT and unfortunately it shows that I have thickening of the Colon wall. The radiologist noted that it may be due to Colitis. I pray that it isn't due to the Senna. Am seeing my primary this week to find out.

I hope this helps someone in need.

misty 11/11/2017 at 5:00 pm

my question is I got a ct scan on my stomach n was told I have a ventral hernia n they didn't explain what tht is n how big or where located,,and I also have colonic thickening and they still havnt took care of these issues n also said I have a moderate amount of stool present. iam in a lot of pain n real gasy..what should I do at this point.I am concerned with all this n the pain

Paro 06/11/2017 at 12:52 pm

PETSCAN has shown thickening of cecum and colon upto hepatic flexure upto 2.3 cm. There is no problem like bowel clearance , stomach pain or blood in stool. Would you please evaluate this syndrome and advise suitable medicine. This can hardly be a case of lymphoma. Would you still advise biopsy ?

Tommy 28/09/2017 at 3:16 am

I had a CT scan of my abdomen. It showed mostly proximal, diverse mural bowel wall thickening. It also show non-specific submucosal fatty hypertrophy of the colon. Can you tell me what this means. I did have a colonoscopy and that was normal....I just do not understand

Rinky 22/09/2017 at 3:12 pm

I had a CT scan of my abdomen. It showed mostly proximal, diverse mural bowel wall thickening. It also show non-specific submucosal fatty hypertrophy of the colon. I have been diagnosed for many years with IBSD. But my most recent flare of symptoms which this time has included bright red blood led to the CT scan. My Primary doctor sent me to my surgeon for a colonoscopy and EGD. I am more confused now that I was before. The doctor that did the scopes said I have gastritis, duodenitis and diverticulosis. My colon looked completely normal! Note: I also had a lupoferrin stool test done which was negative. With this imofrmation, how can I have colonic wall thickening on CT and the other issues mentioned (in the colon) and the colon looks normal on direct examination?

Browny 30/07/2017 at 6:20 pm

Hi everyone. .I was told I had colon thicking. ..after having pain in my stomach I starting using a product called lepicol. It has helped me so much..every day I go toilet passing what needs to be passed...sometimes twice a day. .guys try it..Lepicol it is a great product. .and also I use aloe vera colon cleanse. .you will find both products in the health shop holland barrette or most health shop.. give it a go..good luck guus

es 10/07/2017 at 12:17 pm

@kimberly check with your docs but have you tried using magnesium supplements? this can aid in BM. You want to find the right dose for you, I have Crohns and use this to help as I tend to get constipated. When you have a lose stool then you know you can find your dosing that way, usually 500 MG per day but maybe start lower, and increase until you find your dose.

Van Editor 06/07/2017 at 12:05 pm

@Nan - it could be lots of different things. We all tend to think the worst especially if we do an online search and it comes up with the words cancer. Try not to worry - the chances are it is not. Good luck. Ness

Nan 04/07/2017 at 8:41 pm

I had a CAT scan for abdomen and pelvic because I have pains, cramping, and diareheea on my lower left side where the colon is. My gastro dr. told me I have thickening of the colon area. Now he will do a colonoscophy next week. I afraid it could be cancer.

Kimberly 21/06/2017 at 2:49 am

Had hemicholotomey no bag 3 years ago haven't been well sense in pain every single day on ever known medicine and still don't go to the bathroom like I should after about 4 days of being so full I start chocking on foods I have had a sore throat for over a year have sharp pains every week after I use the bathroom once a week the cycle starts again 4 days no bm pain and some kind of swelling and ripping in right side was exercising 4 months ago seemed to hp then got sick after someone came and took all my new clothes that I used to walk 14 miles a week and was feeling a lot better not sure what to do really am fed up of being sick every day sick sick sick that's all is anyone else having any of this I take probotic linzess and bentyl omg please if anyone can help me go to the bathroom please write I nearly choked to death today in the car from being so full

Will 17/04/2017 at 4:11 pm

I. Was. Diagnosed with colon wall thickening on a ft scan what do I do?

etalem 09/03/2017 at 3:22 pm

I have thickened descending colon when i diagnosed by ultra sound .i have symptom of burning of my stomach the whole area .so what shall i do?

Babboo 03/02/2017 at 11:04 am

hi Sir
I have got my Stomach Ultrasound done Today in which the report is " Mild Oedema of wall of colon in noted" so I would like you to please tell me that what actually it is and also please suggest me the proper treatment of it.

Regards

Rajeev

chriss 03/10/2016 at 10:19 am

I have thickening of the sigmoid colon and have chronic constipation does anyone know what treatment is for thickening of the walls where you cannot go to the toilet.

Bella 29/09/2016 at 6:05 pm

Rightside pain ct shows moderste inflammatory changes involving ascending colon with asymmetric wall thicking and pericolonic stranding additional mild wall thicking involving the rectosigmold colon what does this mean

TummyTrouble Editor 14/09/2016 at 2:11 pm

I'm afraid we cannot give a potential diagnosis as it is beyond our remit as a basic advisory service. Until you see your surgeon, neither would your GP be able to do this as all depends upon what your consultant recommends.

Maximune01 13/09/2016 at 10:52 pm

I was just diagnosed with asymmetrical degree of thickening in my colon.not sure what that means. Does it mean I will end up with colostomy bag? I did have emergency colon resection in 2008. Didn't require a colostomy bag. They are scheduling an appointment with my surgeon to see what's what. Anything I should be prepared tonhear?

Arun txn 01/09/2016 at 10:58 am

Long segment mild circumferential wall thickening involving the terminal ileum lleo caecal junction,caecum and ascending colon till the hepatic flexure-like inflamatory pathology....

This is my ct scan report,I am suffering from stomach problems like frequent going to toilet,
many kind of another problems ,immunity is very poor.

Tuder 29/07/2016 at 9:05 pm

I had pain in my side ,went to Dr order CT scan .now I have to have a colomesty ,I had one3 yrs ago.

Carolinab603 15/05/2016 at 6:54 pm

I recently had a CT scan that showed a malrotation with a slight thickening at the end of my bowel. I also had some fat deposits in my liver and some probable benign cysts in my kidney.
I had been scheduled for a routine colonoscopy three weeks from now. the only communication I have recieved is a call from my gastro's nurse to pick up a labI slip for labs and was given prescriptions for flagyl and cipro in case this all is an infection. Since then, (2 weeks) I have had relentless nausea, I think from flagyl, lack of appetite, cramping and stool that comes out formed but breaks apart in toilet.
Do these symptoms sound consistent wit an infection? Chrons was mentioned also. I have sjogrens syndrome as well so it could be autoimmune.

TummyTrouble Editor 23/02/2016 at 3:00 pm

Many thanks for this information, I'm sure it will be useful to our readers.

I8urcookie 23/02/2016 at 4:48 am

I too suffered many years of back and forth between doctors and scans and medicines etc. It is horrible to want and pray and beg for a correct diagnosis! Plus it's nice to have validation for all that you have been suffering through! Just wanted to throw this out there in case it might help! My crohn's went misdiagnosed for so long simply because most doctors do not run the scope into the illieum! My gyno performed a laproscope and just on the off chance went up a little farther and my illieum was dark red and three times normal size! Finally it was found! Check to make sure they look there during your scopes!

D 17/02/2016 at 4:16 pm

I recently had ct scan done because of constant pelvic pain. I feel tons of pressure and it feels like my ovarys will explode. My gyno said to see a gi specialist because ct scan showed my colon is thickened. And that could be causing my female pain. I don't see how because I use bathroom just fine no constipation no diarrhea no blood ever. No stomach cramps or stomach pain just extreme pain right on my ovarys. I'm getting very discouraged cause of all this. Plus still working 8hours a day on my feet and being in pain. I don't understand how your female parts can be affected by your colon

Sam 11/02/2016 at 6:49 pm

I too have had problems for almost 3 years,been wrongly diagnosed with crohns disease,and now have a lump,thickening and inflammation,and a twisted bowel.awaiting a new diagnosis and treatment plan.worried sick

devanand 24/01/2016 at 3:05 am

i have colon wall thickness of about 3mm

TummyTrouble Editor 04/01/2016 at 12:11 pm

Obviously waiting for the results is the difficult part and can make a person anxious and afraid. However, I'm afraid we cannot give medical advice due to the fact it would be groundless without examination. Plus, other people on this forum may have the same or similar symptoms but a completely different diagnosis. Having the CT scan means once you have the correct diagnosis, you can begin to receive the specific treatment you need to help you back on the road to recovery.

Jess 03/01/2016 at 3:30 pm

Hi I am new to the Internet world but I am reaching out bc I do not know anyone personally that is going through what I have been going through for the last nine years.... I have been misdiagnosed THREE TIMES.....First I was told I have Crone's disease then a year later was told I have ulcerative colitis then was to about another year later that I was told it's colitis with ulceration.... So it's really been EXTREMELY frustrating with all the back n forth and not REALLY knowing for sure what is going on in my body. Anyway I went to the hospital yesterday because of the pain in my back hips n down my legs.....although that is everyday pain for me the amount of blood that came from my bottom wasn't! I normally do have blood in my stool....This was A LOT of blood n was the third time in two days...I was worried!..... I had a CT Scan done....I figured it would be normal bc I had myself convinced that it was probably just a bleeding ulcer.....after the results were in the doctor said I had narrowing in my colon caused by either thickening of the colon walls due to chronic inflammation or in the opinion of the radiologist a TUMOR....So NOW I am SCARED!... Anyone have anything similar happen to them? Or does anyone have advice? I would be greatly appreciative!!

caz 07/10/2015 at 10:54 am

I e got divercerlitus and also got ticking of my bowel hoping to have it removed I dnt no wat it is until I see hom on 19th x

Ali Editor 29/09/2015 at 11:07 am

@janee - I don't know if you drink alcohol, but stopping drinking worked for me; wine, beer and fizz. The doctor told me to avoid certain foods, but didn't really mention alcohol. But once I figured it out and stopped, then symptoms cleared in days. Worth a try perhaps?

janee 28/09/2015 at 8:48 am

I have been diagnosed thickening of my bowel I also have derverticulitus so confused I knew about the derverticulitus which is thinning v of the intestines and leads to pouches. Most days I'm in lain whatever I eat mainly under
my rib cage to right top of stomach. I have avoided all foods I should do nothing works have cramps lower stomach to. I'm never constipated. However suffer from sudden
diarrhoea. Don't believe overflow therefore as never constipated. Thinking I may have Chones disease should I ask for test is it difficult to diagnose I'm fed up being gobbled off re pain. I have had endoscopy down my throat it's clear and yet they put me on Omzaprazole I havnt got acid reflux and it NUST vs e
elads of side affects. I stopped them. I have a mal heitus hernier and. the constant didn't tell
e CT scan 18 months ago I asked why not told I made a complaint as that could been causing my pain. I'm. ow under a different consultant the CT scan shows thickening of my bowel I asked my GP why they not said about my heitus herbier I'm waiting g Constantine she's on holiday. I WANR to know if bigger As you can see I been
eased around for all I know it could be a simple fest see if I'm! allergic to gluten or have celiac disease @!

none 22/04/2015 at 2:41 pm

at the hepatic flexure there is an approximate 7cm segment of moderate bowel wall thickening. there is thickening of the terminal ileum. there is prominence of the vasa recta in the pelvic mesentery just above the terminal ileum and small volume nodes are noted in the caecal mesentery in the right side the pelvis. this is what my ct scans says. I have a lot of days where im constipated and can barely go to the loo. I have a lot of discomfort in my right side of belly and stinging pain in the pelvis. my pee test also says I have a lot of blood in it. what do you think this could be.

TummyTrouble Editor 16/04/2015 at 12:59 pm

@atawhai - he needs to go to his GP immediately to get checked out, especially if there is blood in his faeces.

TummyTrouble Editor 04/02/2015 at 12:04 pm

@bobby - I'm afraid you would have to visit your GP as we are unable to give medical advice.

bobby12 29/11/2014 at 10:05 pm

i have that thickening of bowel get loads pains cramps down by legs and pain tummy pain in by back they very pain full pain killers dont last long they wake me up all the time

carrie 26/02/2014 at 2:11 am

i am concerned about thicking of the bowel wall..via cat scan...just worried over it...

Irochka 07/09/2012 at 8:38 pm

I developed a pain in my lower stomach. My GP dvised me to limit my food intake
to liquid diet for aweek and see what happens. I still have pain and cramps and
burping.Luckily I have appointment with a stomach specialist who ordered
a CT scan which reveled a thickening lower bowel on the lower right side of my somach. Now he wants me to have endoskopy.
Plese let me wht it means thickening lower bowell and what is prognosis?
Yours Truly,

Irene Walters

Patient 05/07/2012 at 6:58 pm

What is thickend bowel in rt hypochondrium and what is its treatment

Boo 07/09/2011 at 9:17 pm

Three years ago I developed severe cdiff after antibiotics. I was treated successfully, and my tests all come back normal. My colonscopes are fine and so are small bowel studies. My only problem is a mild thickening of the ileum. I can tell you I have been in pain for three years in the spot of the ileum. My doctors say there is nothing that can be done.

do you have any ideas for me.

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