Disease or Syndrome
sarcoidosis
sar·coid·o·sis [ sahr-koi-doh-sis ]
Subclass of:
Lymphoproliferative Disorders
Definitions related to sarcoidosis:
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A rare multisystemic, autoinflammatory disorder of unknown etiology characterized by the formation of immune, non-caseating granulomas in any organ(s), leading to variable clinical symptoms and severity. Clinical presentation is typically with persistent dry cough, eye or skin manifestations, peripheral lymph nodes, fatigue, weight loss, fever or night sweats, and L�fgren syndrome.OrphaNetINSERM, 2021
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An idiopathic inflammatory disorder characterized by the formation of non-necrotizing epithelioid granulomas which contain giant cells. It usually affects the lungs, lymph nodes, liver, and skin. Cardiac involvement is also possible.NCIU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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An idiopathic systemic inflammatory granulomatous disorder comprised of epithelioid and multinucleated giant cells with little necrosis. It usually invades the lungs with fibrosis and may also involve lymph nodes, skin, liver, spleen, eyes, phalangeal bones, and parotid glands.NLM Medical Subject HeadingsU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
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An inflammatory disease marked by the formation of granulomas (small nodules of immune cells) in the lungs, lymph nodes, and other organs. Sarcoidosis may be acute and go away by itself, or it may be chronic and progressive.NCI Dictionary of Cancer TermsU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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An inflammatory disorder characterized by the formation of non-necrotizing granulomas often associated with multi-nucleated giant cells within affected organs. Virtually all organs may be affected; however, it often affects the lungs, lymph nodes, liver, synovium, skin, heart, and uveal tract.NICHD Pediatric TerminologyU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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Inflammatory disease characterized by small lumps or granulomas in lymph nodes and other organs.CRISP ThesaurusNational Institutes of Health, 2006
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Sarcoidosis is a condition in which groups of cells in your immune system form small, red, and swollen (inflamed) lumps. These lumps are called granulomas. They can form in any organ in the body. But they most commonly affect the lungs and lymph nodes in the chest. Over time, sarcoidosis can cause permanent scarring of organs. Your immune system creates inflammation to help defend you against germs and sickness. But in sarcoidosis, inflammation goes off track. It causes the cells in your immune system to form granulomas. Studies suggest that this inflammation might be triggered by infections and certain substances in the environment such as insecticides and mold. And your genes may affect how your immune system reacts to a trigger. Anyone can develop sarcoidosis, but you are more likely to have it if you: Are older, especially if you are over age 55; Live or work near insecticides, mold, or other substances that may cause inflammation; Have a close relative who has sarcoidosis; Take certain medicines, such as some types of HIV medicines and monoclonal antibodies; Are of African or Scandinavian descent; Are female. Many people who have sarcoidosis have no symptoms, or they may feel unwell but without any obvious symptoms. If you have symptoms, you may have some general symptoms. And you may have other symptoms, which will depend upon which part of the body is affected. The general symptoms can include: Fatigue; Weight loss; Swollen lymph nodes; Depression; Fever; Night sweats (heavy sweating during sleep). The symptoms of sarcoidosis in the lungs can include: Wheezing; Cough; Shortness of breath; Chest pain. The symptoms of sarcoidosis in other parts of the body can include: Larger than normal liver or spleen; Jaundice, which can make your eyes or skin yellow; Nervous system problems, such as: Headache; Dizziness; Vision problems; Seizures; Numbness or tingling.; Heart palpitations or an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia); Pain and swelling in the joints; Skin problems such as rashes and growths under the skin. There is also a set of symptoms that are called Lofgren's syndrome. Some people have Lofgren's syndrome when they first develop sarcoidosis. It usually goes away completely within 2 years. The symptoms of Lofgren's syndrome may include: Swollen lymph nodes in your chest, neck, chin, armpits, or groin.; A rash of small, itchy, or painful bumps called erythema nodosum. The rash is most often on your head, neck, or legs.; Blurred vision, eye pain or redness, light sensitivity, or watery eyes.; Joint pain, stiffness, or swelling.; Fever. If untreated, or if the treatment does not work, sarcoidosis can cause serious health problems called complications. Possible complications include: Lung problems; Heart problems; Hormone problems; Brain, nerve, or muscle problems; Kidney problems; Severe organ damage. How is...MedlinePlusU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
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Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disorder resulting in noncaseating granulomas in one or more organs and tissues; etiology is unknown. The lungs and lymphatic system are most often affected, but sarcoidosis may affect any organ. Pulmonary symptoms range from none to cough, exertional dyspnea and, rarely, lung or other organ failure....Merck & Co., Inc., 2025
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Sarcoidosis is a multisystem inflammatory disease of unknown etiology that predominantly affects the lungs and intrathoracic lymph nodes. Sarcoidosis is manifested by the presence of noncaseating granulomas (NCGs) in affected organ tissues.WebMD, 2025
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Sarcoidosis is a disease characterized by the growth of tiny collections of inflammatory cells (granulomas) in any part of your body - most commonly the lungs and lymph nodes. But it can also affect the eyes, skin, heart and other organs.Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2025
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Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease characterized by the development and growth of tiny lumps of cells called granulomas. If these tiny granulomas grow and clump together in an organ, they can affect the organ's structure and function. Overtime, this can lead to permanent scarring or thickening of the organ tissue (also called...National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences
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Sarcoidosis is a chronic granulomatous disorder of unknown etiology, commonly affecting the lungs, skin and eyes. It is characterized by accumulation of lymphocytes and macrophages and the formation of noncaseating granulomas in the lungs and other organs. Although lungs and lymph nodes are involved in more than 90% of patients,...Athenahealth, Inc., 2019
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Sarcoidosis, systemic disease that is characterized by the formation of granulomas (small grainy lumps) in affected tissue. Although the cause of sarcoidosis is unknown, the disease may be caused by an abnormal immune response to certain antigens. Sarcoidosis often disappears spontaneously within...Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2025
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