Sarcoidosis is a rare inflammatory disease that can occur in almost any organ. It affects the lungs (pulmonary sarcoidosis) in 90 percent of patients. Pulmonary sarcoidosis is characterized by small patches of inflamed cells known as granulomas that form on the lungs’ air sacs (alveoli), breathing tubes (bronchioles) or lymph nodes. Though there is no definitive cause or cure for sarcoidosis, most people respond well to minimal treatment. Granulomas typically heal and disappear on their own within one or two years. But for certain patients, sarcoidosis is a long-lasting and debilitating disease. Pulmonary sarcoidosis may develop into pulmonary fibrosis – where lung tissue becomes scarred or fibrotic, making breathing difficult and affecting the ability of the lungs to circulate oxygen. It can also lead to bronchiectasis, a lung disease in which pockets form in the air tubes of the lung and become infection sites.
Sarcoidosis can be difficult to diagnose as symptoms do not appear in the early stages and when they do, can mimic other diseases. The Lung Center at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) provides specialized services for patients with sarcoidosis, including the latest diagnostic technology.
For those rare patients with advanced disease, BWH’s Lung Transplant Program gives patients a second chance at life.
Factors contributing to an increased risk of developing sarcoidosis include:
Sarcoidosis often begins with these general symptoms:
When sarcoidosis appears in the lungs (pulmonary sarcoidosis), patients may experience:
Because there is no one feature of the disease and no exclusive test, sarcoidosis can be challenging to diagnose. Symptoms also often mimic those of other chronic infections or more serious diseases. To effectively diagnose sarcoidosis, your BWH thoracic surgeon may conduct the following diagnostic tests and procedures:
If your symptoms are not severe, treatment may not be necessary and the disease may resolve on its own. This is the case for the majority of patients diagnosed with sarcoidosis. Follow up is required to ensure that there is no disease progression. If the disease affects organ function and quality of life, medication and lifestyle changes can make a difference.
Your multidisciplinary medical team at The Lung Center will include a pulmonologist. He or she will recommend an individualized treatment plan which may include:
In the rare situation when sarcoidosis has severely damaged your lungs, organ transplantation may be necessary. The BWH Lung Transplant Program, the largest in New England, provides the most innovative and compassionate care to our patients with advanced lung disease. Our program has been the source of several transplant milestones, including the first adult lung transplant in Massachusetts and the first bilateral (double) lung transplant in New England.
When you become a patient of The Lung Center you will meet with many members of the team who will carefully review your medical history and conduct a thorough diagnostic evaluation. You will receive a recommendation for a therapy tailored just for you, based on your specific disorder and other factors, as well as comprehensive monitoring. Our goal is to alleviate or eliminate symptoms so you can confidently resume everyday activities.
Patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis benefit from the wide range of expertise at The Lung Center. Collaboration between thoracic surgeons, pulmonologists, rheumatologists and other specialists ensures comprehensive evaluation and effective treatment.
Any surgery recommended will be performed by an experienced, board-certified thoracic surgeon who is an expert at treating pulmonary sarcoidosis, in collaboration with a treatment team that includes a pulmonologist, as well as nurses and physician assistants who specialize in caring for patients with pulmonary conditions. Your medical team collaborates with rheumatologists, pathologists and radiologists at the Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) Clinic and Sarcoidosis Service to tailor an effective treatment plan for you.
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