Sarcoidosis

Pronunciation

Definition 1

An inflammatory disease marked by the formation of granulomas (small nodules of immune cells) in the lungs, lymph nodes, and other organs. Sarcoidosis may be acute and go away by itself, or it may be chronic and progressive. Also called sarcoid. (NCI Dictionary)

Definition 2

An idiopathic inflammatory disorder characterized by the formation of non-necrotizing epithelioid granulomas which contain giant cells. It usually affects the lungs, lymph nodes, liver, and skin. Cardiac involvement is also possible. (NCI Thesaurus)

Definition 3

An idiopathic systemic inflammatory granulomatous disorder comprised of epithelioid and multinucleated giant cells with little necrosis. It usually invades the lungs with fibrosis and may also involve lymph nodes, skin, liver, spleen, eyes, phalangeal bones, and parotid glands. (NLM, Medical Subject Headings)

Definition 4

inflammatory disease characterized by small lumps or granulomas in lymph nodes and other organs. (NIH CRISP Thesaurus)

More information

Sarcoidosis is a disease that leads to inflammation, usually in your lungs, skin, or lymph nodes. It starts as tiny, grain-like lumps, called granulomas. Sarcoidosis can affect any organ in your body.

No one is sure what causes sarcoidosis. It affects men and women of all ages and races. It occurs mostly in people ages 20 to 50, African Americans, especially women, and people of Northern European origin.

Many people have no symptoms. If you have symptoms, they may include

• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Weight loss
• Night sweats
• Fatigue

Tests to diagnose sarcoidosis include chest x-rays, lung function tests, and a biopsy. Not everyone who has the disease needs treatment. If you do, prednisone, a type of steroid, is the main treatment. (NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute)