The inside of the colon is lined by cells that form long straight tubes called crypts. Pathologists use the word distortion to describe changes in the size and shape of the crypts in the colon.
Types of distortion:
Crypt distortion is considered a sign of long-term damage caused by inflammation in the colon. Pathologists look for this change when making the diagnosis of chronic colitis. Crypt distortion can be seen in both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.