Often these granulomas are not of significant number or in a critical location to cause symptoms. The way in which the disease presents varies remarkably from case to case. In some patients, it is short-lived and mild, and in others it becomes a chronic, debilitating sickness. Sarcoidosis usually is self-limiting, meaning that is resolves on its own or does not progress and many cases do not require treatment. Sometimes, however, it progresses to fibrosis, the formation of scar-like fibrous tissue that pernamently impairs the function of the affected organ.
Corticosteroids are the mainstay of therapy.
They help suppress the inflammation and prevent granulomas and fibrosis from forming. Granulomas are characterized by a nodular appearance and a unique cellular pattern that can be seen through a microscope and can form on nearly any part of the body, internal or external. There are many different granulomatous diseases, from Crohn's disease to tuberculosis. The cells that make up a granuloma are from the immune system. The immune system is the body's defense against disease and illness.