Sarcoidosis is a disease characterized by the collections of inflammatory cells (granulomas) in any part of your body — commonly the lungs and lymph nodes. But can also affect the eyes, skin, heart and other organs.
The cause of sarcoidosis is unknown
Experts think it results from the body’s immune response to an unknown substance may be infectious agents, chemicals, dust or a potential abnormal reaction to the body’s own proteins (self-proteins) could be responsible for the formation of granulomas
General symptoms • Fatigue / Fever • Swollen lymph nodes • Weight loss • Pain and swelling in joints, such as the ankles Symptoms may vary as per the involvement of body organs. At times patient may present with facial paralysis or hearing impairment, Visual disturbance.
Pulmonary Sarcoid would present with cough, fever and breathlessness or chest tightness. The disease can actually mimic Tuberculosis however nature and management of both the diseases is grossly different.
It’s not contagious
It’s not cancer,
sarcoidosis is not a type of cancer as few patients may be scared of, although the disease may predispose to certain malignancies especially Lymphoma however the incidence s very low.
Diagnosis: Chest xray, Contrast Chest CT would be needed, in certain patients’ Endobronchial ultrasound, EBUS- FNA will help establishing the diagnosis.
Serum ACE level, is not a diagnostic test for sarcoidosis
Biopsy is most definitive test to establish diagnosis
Treatment for sarcoid is available.
Treatment is simple and has to be taken under proper guidance .However the treatment may be prolonged and response to treatment is variable. Steroids may be needed in certain stages ; some other immunosuppressive meds might be needed.