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Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
sarcoidosis

1936, from sarcoid + -osis.

Wiktionary
sarcoidosis

n. (context medicine English) A multisystem disorder characterized by small inflammatory nodules

WordNet
sarcoidosis

n. a chronic disease of unknown cause marked by the formation of nodules in the lungs and liver and lymph glands and salivary glands

Wikipedia
Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis, also called sarcoid, is a disease involving abnormal collections of inflammatory cells that form lumps known as granulomas. The disease usually begins in the lungs, skin, or lymph nodes. Less commonly affected are the eyes, liver, heart, and brain. Any organ, however, can be affected. The signs and symptoms depends on the organ involved. Often there are no, or only mild, symptoms. When it affects the lungs there may be wheezing, cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain. Some may have Lofgren's syndrome in which there is fever, large lymph nodes, arthritis, and a rash known as erythema nodosum.

The cause of sarcoidosis is unknown. Some believe it may be due to an immune reaction to a trigger such as an infection or chemicals in those who are genetically predisposed. Those with affected family members are at greater risk. Diagnosis is partly based on signs and symptoms, which may be supported by biopsy. Findings that make it likely include large lymph nodes at the root of the lung on both sides, high blood calcium with a normal parathyroid hormone level, or elevated levels of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) in the blood. The diagnosis should only be made after excluding other possible causes of similar symptoms such as tuberculosis.

Many people clear up without any treatment within a few years. However some may have long term or severe disease. Some symptoms may be improved with the use of anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen. In cases where the condition causes significant health problems steroids such as prednisone are indicated. Alternatively, medications such as methotrexate, chloroquine, or azathioprine may occasionally be used in an effort to decrease the side effects of steroids. The risk of death is between one and seven percent. There is a less than five percent chance of the disease returning in someone who has had it previously.

In 2013 pulmonary sarcoidosis and interstitial lung disease affected 595,000 people globally. These two diseases resulted in 471,000 deaths. It is most common in Scandinavians but occurs in all parts of the world. In the United States risk is greater among black as opposed to white people. It usually begins between the ages of 20–50. It occurs more often in women than men. Sarcoidosis was first described in 1877 by the English doctor Jonathan Hutchinson as a non painful skin disease.