Definition
Sarcoidosis is a rare disease where small lumps form in the body. The lumps are called granulomas. They can lead to inflammation in the tissue. The lumps are most common in the lungs and lymph nodes. However, they can form in any part of the body.
The condition can range from mild to life-threatening.
Risk Factors
Things that raise the risk of sarcoidosis are:
- A family history of the condition
- Interferon therapy
- Working in certain jobs, such as:
- The U.S. Navy
- Metal working
- Firefighting
- Handling building supplies
- HIV (rare)
Symptoms
Sarcoidosis may not cause symptoms at first. Symptoms that happen depend on the organs involved. Symptoms may be:
- Lasting cough
- Problems breathing
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fever or night sweats
- Weight loss
- Tiredness
- Skin bumps or rashes
- Headache, lightheadedness, or drooping of the face
Bell Palsy |
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Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. The doctor will focus on the affected area.
Images may be taken to view the lungs and lymph nodes. This can be done with
A sample of tissue may be taken and tested—to look for granulomas.
Other tests may be done to see how well organs are working. These may be:
- Blood and urine tests
- Eye exam
- ECG —to test heart health
- Pulmonary function tests —to test lung health
- MRI scan —to test nervous system
Diagnosis is often made after other conditions are ruled out.
Treatment
There is no cure for sarcoidosis. The goal is to manage symptoms. If the condition is mild, treatment may not be needed. If symptoms are severe or could cause damage, options may be:
Medicines, such as:
- Corticosteroids—to ease inflammation
- Medicine to lower the immune system
- Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors—to ease inflammation
- Antimicrobial drugs—to treat skin problems
Transplant of the heart, lung, liver, or kidneys may be needed if medicine does not help.
RESOURCES
American Lung Association http://www.lung.org
Arthritis Foundation http://www.arthritis.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES
The Arthritis Society http://www.arthritis.ca
The Lung Association http://www.lung.ca
References
Explore sarcoidosis. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website. Available at: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/sarcoidosis. Accessed August 9, 2021.
Sarcoidosis in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/sarcoidosis-in-adults. Accessed August 9, 2021.
Sarcoidosis in children. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/sarcoidosis-in-children . Accessed August 9, 2021.
8/9/2021 DynaMed Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116787/Sarcoidosis-in-adults : Soto-Gomez N, Peters JI, et al. Diagnosis and management of sarcoidosis. Am Fam Physician. 2016;93(10:840-848.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD
- Review Date: 07/2021
- Update Date: 08/09/2021