Sarcoidosis is a disease involving abnormal collections of inflammatory cells that form lumps known as granulomas.
Bodily Systems Effected By Sarcoidosis
The disease usually begins in the lungs, skin, or lymph nodes. Less commonly affected are the eyes, liver, heart, and brain. Any organ, however, can be affected.
Bone, Joints, And Muscles
Sarcoidosis can be involved with the joints, bones and muscles. The pain occurs most frequently in the ankles, followed by the knees, wrists, elbows, and the joints of the toes and fingers.
Signs And Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of sarcoidosis depend on the organ involved. Often there are no, or only mild, symptoms. When it affects the lungs there may be wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or chest pain.
The Cause
The cause of sarcoidosis is unknown. Some believe it may be due to an immune reaction to a trigger such as an infection or chemicals in those who are genetically predisposed. Those with affected family members are at greater risk.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is partly based on signs and symptoms, which may be supported by biopsy. The diagnosis should only be made after excluding other possible causes of similar symptoms such as tuberculosis.
Statistics
The risk of death is between one and seven percent. There is a less than five percent chance of the disease returning in someone who has had it previously.
In 2015 pulmonary sarcoidosis and interstitial lung disease affected 1.9 million people globally and they resulted in 122,000 deaths.
It is most common in Scandinavians but occurs in all parts of the world.
In the United States risk is greater among black as opposed to white people.
It usually begins between the ages of 20 and 50. It occurs more often in women than men.