Sarcoidosis

The Sarcoidosis topic includes research on the causes, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of sarcoidosis, a condition that develops when groups of cells in the immune system form red and swollen lumps. Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that can affect any organ. Most often it affects the lungs and lymph nodes in the chest. Over time, inflammation may lead to permanent scarring of organs.

Studies suggest that some immune system triggers can lead to sarcoidosis in certain people. Triggers can include infections without symptoms or coming into contact with substances in the environment. Genes can affect how the immune system reacts to a trigger. Sarcoidosis can be hard to diagnose. Symptoms can vary from person to person, and doctors must run many tests to rule out other conditions.