Sarcoidosis - saar-koy-doe-sis
Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease characterized by the formation of sarcoid granulomas—tiny clumps of inflammatory cells—in one or more organs of the body. When the immune system goes into overdrive and too many of these clumps form, they can interfere with an organ’s structure and function. When left unchecked, chronic inflammation can lead to fibrosis, which is the permanent scarring of organ tissue. This disorder affects the lungs or lymph nodes in approximately 90% of cases, but it can affect almost any organ in the body.
Symptoms of AiArthritis Diseases Regardless of Diagnosis
“Auto” Symptoms
Reference: Early Symptoms of AiArthritis Study, AiArthritis, 2019.
Typically the joint pain will coincide with one or more “Auto” symptoms and start and stop suddenly - for no apparent reason (which is called a "flare"). Some people will experience all of the above symptoms, others only a few. If you have any of the arthritis features, and at least one of the “Auto” features, please consult your physician about a referral to a rheumatologist.
Symptoms Often Associated with Sarcoidosis:
What fellow patients want you to know
Sarcoidosis can affect anyone of any age, race, or other demographic., but it has a higher incidence among people of color, especially African American women.
Sarcoidosis affects the lungs & lymph nodes in 90% of patients but can affect just about any organ or system
Sarcoidosis – especially pulmonary sarcoidosis – is often misdiagnosed as cancer … but this disease is so much more than just “not cancer.” It can still be a lifelong, life-altering condition, so patients need empathy and support.
It is crucial to find doctors (you’ll need more than one) who truly understand this disease. Ideally, they should be willing to communicate with each other to offer multidisciplinary care for this multi-system condition.
There’s no single definitive test that can confirm a sarcoidosis diagnosis, so rheumatologists look at a combination of physical exam (pulmonary function tests), blood tests, and imaging (Chest CT & X-Ray), along with a family history of autoimmune or autoinflammatory disease. A biopsy of the skin, lymph node, or lung) may also be required for a definitive diagnosis. A test called the Kveim-Siltzbach skin test can also be used to diagnose sarcoidosis, but is not commonly used in the United States.
In an effort to ensure this page has the most accurate and up-to-date information, this page is currently awaiting medical review. Some information is subject to change.
Page Last Updated: 9/1/2023
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