Reviewed by Nabeel Y. Hamzeh, MD, FCCP
Sarcoidosis is a chronic disease that can affect any organ in the body, but most commonly affects the lungs. Very small (microscopic) clusters of inflammation or white cells, called granulomas, are seen in the organs affected with sarcoidosis. These granulomas may clear up on their own, or may cause permanent scarring and organ dysfunction. While there is no cure for sarcoidosis at this time, the disease can be managed to minimize organ dysfunction.
Causes
Sarcoidosis is likely to have more than one cause.
Sarcoidosis is most common in young people between the ages of 20 and 40 but can affect any age group and race. About 10 to 40 out of every 100,000 people develop sarcoidosis. Sarcoidosis is not contagious.