Sarcoidosis
What is sarcoidosis?
Sarcoidosis causes small clusters of inflammatory cells, called granulomas, to form in the body. It often affects the lungs and chest lymph nodes, but the skin, eyes and other organs may also be involved. It is not cancer and is not contagious. The cause is not fully understood.
Symptoms
Symptoms can include a dry cough, breathlessness and fatigue. Some people develop painful red skin lumps, joint symptoms or eye problems; others have no symptoms and are diagnosed after a scan. The outlook varies: many improve without treatment, while some need longer-term care.
How is it diagnosed?
Assessment combines your history and examination with chest imaging, lung function and blood tests. An ECG and assessment for involvement outside the lungs may be appropriate. There is no single blood test that proves sarcoidosis. Sometimes a tissue sample is needed to confirm the diagnosis and exclude alternatives such as infection. Bronchoscopy or EBUS can sample suitable areas in the chest; your consultant will discuss the safest useful approach.
Treatment and monitoring
Not everyone needs medicines. Follow-up may be enough when disease is mild and stable. Treatment is considered when organ function is at risk or symptoms substantially affect daily life. Steroids are often used first; selected patients need other medicines, such as methotrexate, to control inflammation or reduce steroid exposure. Benefits, side effects and monitoring are discussed individually.
Review tracks symptoms, lung function and imaging where needed. Persistent fatigue deserves assessment in its own right. Do not stop steroid treatment suddenly or start calcium or vitamin D supplements without discussing suitability with your team.
When to seek urgent help
New eye pain or changes in vision need urgent assessment. Seek urgent advice for new palpitations or fainting. Call 999 for severe breathing difficulty, collapse or persistent severe chest pain.
Sources and further information
BTS: pulmonary sarcoidosis clinical statement
Royal Brompton: sarcoidosis tests
General information for adults; care is tailored to your findings.