Despite the often favorable prognosis in sarcoidosis, the new study indicates that these patients deserve increased medical attention, the researchers write in the November issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine7, published by the American Lung Association. They also note that although the underlying mechanism is unclear, chronic inflammation in sarcoidosis may be involved in the increased risk of cancer. Occurrence of sarcoidosis among African-Americans is more than three times that among whites. It is also more common in whites of northern European descent than in other whites. Swedes, Danes and U.S. blacks have the highest prevalence rates in the world.
Sarcoidosis can be completely symptomless.
Diagnosis may be difficult and is suggested by chest X-rays, blood tests, and pulmonary function tests and usually confirmed by biopsy. The disease must be differentiated from others with which symptoms may overlap, including certain malignancies, tuberculosis, and other infections. The American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine , formerly The American Review of Respiratory Disease is one of two official journals published by the American Lung Association through its medical section, the American Thoracic Society. A second journal, The Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology , covers basic pulmonary research. The American Lung Association fights lung disease.