Ulcerative Colitis - Ulcerative Colitis is an inflammatory condition that involves only the colon, and within the colon is focused on the inner layer of the colon (called the mucosa). It almost always is most intense in the rectum and frequently spreads backwards to involve the entire large bowel. It occurs in somewhere between 70-150 people per 100,000 population. It most commonly begins between the ages of 15-35, with a second smaller peak of disease in the 60-70's. It is equally common in men and women. Symptoms caused by ulcerative colitis include bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever and weight loss. It can also cause arthritis in the joints or the back, eye problems, skin breakout, and ulcers in the mouth. It can also cause associated diseases in the liver. This disease can often be controlled with medicine. Surgery offers the opportunity to completely cure the bowel aspect of ulcerative colitis.