The disease varies in severity and may affect any part of the body. It is most common among people of northern European ancestry and Afro-Americans. The cause of sarcoidosis is suspected of being autoimmune and may be triggered by an agent such as a slow virus or possibly a variety of other toxic agents. Genetic predisposition may also be an important factor in the development of sarcoidosis. Not all cases of sarcoidosis are alike.
Some patients have few if any symptoms while others experience many.
Although sarcoidosis may go away spontaneously without treatment, the majority of patients will have it for their lifetime. There is no cure at this time, but sarcoidosis can be controlled with medications. For more information on sarcoidosis or other autoimmune disorders, please click on the request information icon below. It is vital that persons diagnosed with, or suspected of having, an autoimmune disease consult with their physician or with the appropriate division at a major teaching hospital, to assure proper evaluation, treatment and interpretation of information contained on this site.