Understanding Sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory condition that affects multiple organs in the body. It often starts in the lungs, skin or lymph nodes. Sarcoidosis forms tiny lumps of inflammatory cells called granulomas that group together. This disease tends to go through cycles where symptoms flare up from time to time. While sarcoidosis shares some traits with cancer, it has distinct differences.
How Sarcoidosis and Cancer Compare
Sarcoidosis and cancer overlap in a few ways that sometimes lead to confusion between the two conditions:
- Both involve abnormal cellular changes.
- Each can form lumps or masses called nodules and tumors.
- The immune system plays a role in causing both diseases.
- Some treatments are similar, like steroids or chemotherapy.
Key Differences Between Sarcoidosis and Cancer
While there are some parallels, sarcoidosis differs from cancer in several important aspects:
- Sarcoidosis results from inflammation while cancer is cell mutations.
- Is sarcoidosis cancer? No, it does not typically spread elsewhere in the body.
- The survival rate for sarcoidosis is over 90% compared to 33% for lung cancer.
- Sarcoidosis often resolves on its own unlike malignant tumors that require intervention.
What Causes Sarcoidosis?
The precise cause of sarcoidosis remains unknown. Research suggests it likely results from the body having an abnormal immune response to some trigger, leading to inflammation.
Suspected Triggers
Potential substances that could set off an inflammatory immune reaction in the genetically prone:- Infections - bacteria, viruses, fungi
- Environmental agents - pollen, mold, chemicals
- Bioaerosols - bacteria, fungi, insects
- Inorganic particles - talc, zirconium
- Medications - interferon
Who Gets Sarcoidosis?
While anyone can get sarcoidosis, certain factors place you at higher risk:- African American ethnicity
- Age 20-50 years old
- Family history of sarcoidosis
- Exposure to some environmental or occupational triggers
- Is sarcoidosis cancer? No, but you can get both conditions separately.
Signs and Symptoms
Sarcoidosis is called the "great imitator" because its symptoms can mimic many disorders and vary greatly between affected individuals based on which organs are involved.
Common Symptoms
Some patients experience these general signs:- Fatigue and lack of energy
- Unexplained weight loss
- Night sweats
- Fever
- Skin lesions - rashes, nodules, ulcers
Organ-Specific Symptoms
More precise symptoms depend on where granulomas develop:- Lungs - wheezing, dry cough, chest pain, difficulty breathing
- Eyes - sensitivity to light, blurry vision, redness
- Heart - heartbeat irregularities, fainting, heart failure
- Bones/joints - achy bones/joints, arthritis, bone cysts
- Skin - raised pink/purple/brown lesions on face/neck
Getting Diagnosed
There are no specific tests just for sarcoidosis. The diagnosis requires excluding other potential causes plus correlating symptoms with results of various examinations and scans.
Diagnostic Evaluations
To determine if respiratory or constitutional symptoms stem from is sarcoidosis cancer or another disease, evaluation may involve:- Medical history - ask about symptoms, exposures, other conditions
- Physical exam - check skin/eyes/lungs
- Bloodwork - reveal markers of inflammation
- Pulmonary function tests - assess lung capacity
- Imaging studies - Xray/CT scan shows granulomas in organs
- Tissue biopsy - microscopic confirmation of granulomas
Treatment Options for Sarcoidosis
For those not cured spontaneously, there are treatments to control inflammation and granulomas to prevent permanent organ damage.
Conventional Medical Therapy
Typical treatments for symptomatic sarcoidosis aim to regulate the aberrant immune response:- Corticosteroids - potent anti-inflammatory pills like prednisone
- Immunosuppressants - methotrexate, anti-TNF biologics
- Chloroquine - antimalarial also reduces inflammation
Lifestyle and Diet Recommendations
Some natural therapies may support conventional medication including:- Low oxalate diet - reduces flare ups for some
- Vitamin D - corrections deficiency associated with disease
- Stress reduction - techniques like meditation help
- Gentle exercise - light activity prevents complications
FAQs
Is sarcoidosis a form of cancer?
No, sarcoidosis is not a cancer. But like cancer, sarcoidosis causes abnormal lump-like masses to form in the organs of the body called granulomas. However, sarcoidosis results from inflammation while cancer is caused by DNA mutations in cells.
Is there a cure for sarcoidosis?
There is no known medical cure for sarcoidosis. For 60% of patients, sarcoidosis resolves on its own with little or no treatment within a couple years. For chronic sarcoidosis cases, treatments aim to control symptoms and regulate the overactive immune system causing inflammation.
What are common symptoms of sarcoidosis?
Symptoms vary depending on which organs are affected but often include fatigue, weight loss, fever, arthritis, eye issues, skin lesions, cough, chest pain, and difficulty breathing if lung involvement. Some organ damage can become permanent if inflammation goes uncontrolled.
What causes sarcoidosis to develop?
The exact triggers are still being researched but it is thought an infection, environmental exposure or other immune trigger sets off an abnormal inflammatory and granuloma formation response in genetically predisposed individuals. African Americans seem at higher risk.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
Related Coverage
Sarcoidosis shares some similarities with cancer but they are very different conditions. Learn what causes sarcoidosis, its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options....
What's the best climate for living with sarcoidosis? Learn how warmer, drier weather may help reduce coughing, wheezing, and other lung sarcoidosis symptoms....