About Sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis is a complex inflammatory disease that causes tiny, grain-like clusters of inflamed cells – called granulomas – to form in various organs throughout the body. Over time, these clusters can grow into masses that alter or compromise organ function.
One in every 1,000 people worldwide has sarcoidosis.*
While sarcoidosis more commonly targets lungs and lymph nodes, this chronic disease can affect various organs, including the brain, eyes, kidneys, liver, nervous system, and skin.
Sarcoidosis affects people of any age, race, gender, or ethnicity. However, it is more common among adults 20 to 40 years old. In the United States, the disease affects African Americans more often and more severely than Caucasians, according to the National Institutes of Health’s National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. The disease is also more common in people of European — particularly Scandinavian — descent.
There is no known cause for sarcoidosis.
The course of sarcoidosis varies significantly among people. It can be mild, and the symptoms may go away within a few years, even without treatment. But sometimes sarcoidosis slowly worsens over the years and can cause permanent organ damage. The severity of the disease can vary by race and ethnicity.
Many patients will not have long-term effects from sarcoidosis, while 5-10% of all patients will suffer from advanced sarcoidosis. Although there is no cure, there are many ways to treat this disease.
*Belperio JA, Shaikh F, Abtin FG, et al. Diagnosis and Treatment of Pulmonary Sarcoidosis: A Review. JAMA. 2022;327(9):856–867. doi:10.1001/jama.2022.1570
Understanding Sarcoidosis
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Symptoms & Diagnosis
Sarcoidosis symptoms vary depending on which organs are affected. Learn more about sarcoidosis symptoms and diagnosis.
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Treatments
The goals for treatment of sarcoidosis are to relieve symptoms and improve organ function. Treatments for Sarcoidosis vary as much as the disease itself varies.
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Research
Clinical trials and research studies are being done throughout the world to help us understand sarcoidosis, its symptoms, possible treatments, and more.
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Sarcoidosis FAQ
Here are answers to our most frequently asked questions about Sarcoidosis
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Sarcoidosis Terms
Here is a list of terms commonly associated with Sarcoidosis
“Just because an organ is involved, doesn’t necessarily mean it has to be treated.”
Dr. Morgenthau
Webinar: A General Approach to Sarcoidosis Treatment
