Sarcoidosis - Treatment & Services
How is sarcoidosis diagnosed?
How serious is sarcoidosis?
How is sarcoidosis treated?
How is sarcoidosis diagnosed?
Sarcoidosis produces few symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms do occur, they often resemble those of other illnesses. For that reason, doctors will usually diagnose sarcoidosis only after ruling out diseases with similar features, such as lymph cancer, tuberculosis, rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatic fever and fungal infections.
No single noninvasive test can positively identify sarcoidosis, but initially, doctors are likely to order a chest x-ray. Depending on the results, a patient may then have additional tests to confirm the diagnosis, including a transbronchial biopsy, which uses a flexible scope to collect lung tissue specimens.
How serious is sarcoidosis?
In many people, sarcoidosis is mild and the inflammation that causes the granulomas may get better on its own. For some, the inflammation comes and goes or remains but doesn't get worse.
For a small percentage of patients, sarcoidosis slowly gets worse over the years and can cause permanent organ damage. Although treatment can help, sarcoidosis may leave scar tissue in the lungs, skin, eyes or other organs. The scar tissue can affect how the organs work. In some serious cases in which vital organs are affected, sarcoidosis can result in death.
How is sarcoidosis treated?
Treatment may not be needed if sarcoidosis is only affecting the lungs and nearby lymph nodes. Since sarcoidosis often disappears on its own at this stage, doctors are more likely just to monitor the patient and recommend physical therapy.
When chest x-rays reveal more widespread areas of lung inflammation, the doctor may monitor the disease for 3 to 12 months and begin treatment only if the inflammation hasn't improved or has progressed.
Treatment with medications is usually recommended if the patient's heart, eyes or central nervous system is involved or if blood-calcium level is elevated. Doctors with special expertise in sarcoidosis should manage patients who are on regular prednisone therapy.
To schedule an appointment with a Temple Lung Center physician click here or call 1-800-TEMPLE-MED (1-800-836-7536).
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