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Sarcoidosis is a condition that causes tiny collections of immune system cells in any part of the body. These tiny collections form red, swollen lumps called granulomas. Granulomas most commonly occur in the lungs and the lymph nodes of the chest. They also can occur in the eyes, skin, heart and other organs.
Experts don't know the exact cause of sarcoidosis, but it's likely a mix of genetic and environmental factors. Some people appear to have gene changes that make them more likely to develop sarcoidosis. The condition may then be triggered by bacteria, viruses, dust or chemicals. Their immune system overreacts to the trigger, causing inflammation that forms granulomas.
There is no cure for sarcoidosis, but most people do not need treatment. Sarcoidosis may go away on its own. Other people need treatment to lessen their body's immune system response. Sometimes sarcoidosis can last for years and may cause organ damage.
Symptoms of sarcoidosis vary, depending on which organs are affected and how badly they're affected. Sarcoidosis sometimes develops slowly over time and causes symptoms that last for years. Other times, symptoms appear suddenly and then disappear just as quickly. Many people with sarcoidosis have no symptoms, so the condition is found only when a chest X-ray is done for another reason.
Sarcoidosis can begin with these symptoms:
Sarcoidosis most often affects the lungs and may cause lung problems, such as:
Sarcoidosis may cause skin problems, which may include:
Sarcoidosis can affect the eyes without causing any symptoms, so it's important to have your eyes checked regularly. When eye symptoms do occur, they may include:
Symptoms related to cardiac sarcoidosis may include:
Sarcoidosis can cause symptoms related to the brain and nerves, such as:
Other symptoms are usually linked with the organs affected. Sarcoidosis can cause granulomas in any part of the body, such as the liver, spleen, muscles, bones and joints, kidneys, and lymph nodes.
See a doctor or other healthcare professional if you have symptoms that may be sarcoidosis.
The cause of sarcoidosis is not known. Experts think it results from a mix of genetic and environmental factors that cause the body's immune system to overreact to a substance it doesn't know.
Some people have gene changes that make their immune system more likely to overreact to triggers. Triggers could be bacteria, viruses, chemicals or dust. This causes immune cells to group into tiny collections of inflamed lumps called granulomas. As granulomas build up in an organ, the function of that organ can be affected.
While anyone can develop sarcoidosis, factors that may raise your risk include:
Sometimes sarcoidosis causes long-term problems.
Sarcoidosis can be hard to diagnose because there may not be many symptoms in the early stages. When symptoms do occur, they may be much like those of other conditions.
Your healthcare professional does a physical exam and talks with you about your symptoms and possible risk factors. The healthcare professional also listens to your heart and lungs, checks your lymph nodes for swelling, and looks at any skin lesions.
No tests can specifically diagnose sarcoidosis. Tests can help rule out other conditions and show what body systems may be affected by sarcoidosis. For example, you may have:
Other tests may be added, if needed.
Your healthcare professional may take a small sample of tissue called a biopsy. The sample is taken from any part of your body that may be affected by sarcoidosis. The sample is used to look for the granulomas commonly seen with the condition. For example, biopsies can be taken from your skin, lungs and lymph nodes.
There's no cure for sarcoidosis, but often sarcoidosis goes away on its own. You may not need treatment if you have no symptoms or only mild symptoms. If you need treatment, the type of treatment you have depends on how severe your symptoms are and what organs are affected. Treatment can lessen the body's immune system response and inflammation.
If your symptoms are severe or affected organs aren't working properly, you may need medicines. These can include:
Other medicines may be used to treat specific symptoms or complications.
Depending on your symptoms or complications, you may need other treatments. For example, you may have:
An organ transplant may be an option for some people if sarcoidosis has severely damaged the lungs, heart or liver.
How often you see your healthcare professional varies based on your symptoms and treatment. Seeing your healthcare professional regularly is important ― even if you don't need treatment.
Your healthcare professional monitors your symptoms and checks to see if you need treatment, how treatments are working and if you have complications. Ongoing monitoring may include tests based on your condition. For example, you may have regular chest X-rays, blood and urine tests, EKGs, and exams of your lungs, eyes, skin and other organs. Follow-up care is likely lifelong.
Along with your treatment, these self-care tips can help:
Although sarcoidosis may go away on its own, some people's lives are forever changed by the condition. If you find it hard to cope with these changes, talk with a counselor or other mental health professional. Joining a sarcoidosis support group also may help.
Because sarcoidosis often involves the lungs, you may be referred to a lung specialist called a pulmonologist to manage your care. You may see other specialists too. Taking a family member or friend along can help you remember information.
Here are some tips to help you get ready for your appointment and know what to expect from your healthcare professional.
Before your appointment, make a list of:
Questions to ask may include:
Feel free to ask other questions during your appointment.
Your healthcare professional may ask you:
Be ready to answer questions so that you have time to talk about what's most important to you.