Sarcoidosis is a disorder of the immune system affecting only those people who are vulnerable while the majority of the population remains healthy and unaffected. No one knows yet what causes Sarcoidosis. Some physicians believe that Sarcoidosis may result from a respiratory infection caused by a virus. Others feel that exposure to toxins or allergens in the environment are to blame.

Infections like tuberculosis, and certain cancers, such as lymphomas, can mimic many of the signs and symptoms of Sarcoidosis. Therefore,it is very important for a physician to thoroughly investigate a patient before giving the diagnosis of Sarcoidosis because other types of diseases might require much different treatments.

As much as ninety percent of Sarcoidosis cases are initially found in the lungs. However, Sarcoidosis can also occur in other organs of the body at the same time or later in the disease course. Other commonly affected sites include the lymph nodes, skin and eyes.

In most cases of Sarcoidosis with little or no symptoms, the disease disappears of its own accord, and no treatment is necessary. However, if the lung Sarcoidosis is severe, or if the disease spreads to the skin or other organs, then there is a greater chance that it will become chronic and resistant to treatment.

Physicians cannot cure Sarcoidosis outright but they can treat the symptoms of the disease. Drugs called corticosteroids are the most common treatment used in fighting Sarcoidosis. However, corticosteroid treatment has multiple side effects and may fail to adequately alter the disease course.

Other drugs that have also been used with varying success to treat Sarcoidosis include methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, retinoids, hydroxychloroquine, and thalidomide. These drugs also have side effects.

New and more effective treatments need to be developed through medical research to control, or perhaps even cure Sarcoidosis.

Sources: National Sarcoidosis Foundation; Friends of Sarcoidosis.