Common terms and what they mean

Your colonoscopy report may include several terms that describe what was seen and what those findings mean. Knowing how to interpret these terms can help you understand your results before discussing them with your healthcare team.

• Normal results. A normal colonoscopy means the entire colon was seen clearly and no growths, inflammation or other unusual changes were found. After a high-quality exam with normal results, most adults at average risk can wait about 10 years before their next screening.
• Abnormal results. An abnormal result means something was found, such as polyps, inflammation or bleeding. The number, size and type of these findings determine when the next colonoscopy should be scheduled.
• Positive findings. A positive result means that the doctor identified an irregularity — for example, a polyp, inflammation or precancerous tissue. This doesn't necessarily mean cancer but may require closer monitoring or treatment.
• Negative findings. A negative result means that nothing irregular was detected or that biopsy samples showed no cancerous cells or cell changes, called dysplasia. These results are generally reassuring. And they often result in longer intervals between colonoscopies.
• Nonspecific inflammation. This describes mild irritation or redness without a clear cause, often related to infection or bowel preparation.
• Chronic inflammation. This refers to ongoing irritation that may indicate a long-term condition such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.