Sarcoidosis
The medical condition know as Sarcoidosis gets its name from 'sarc' which means 'flesh' and '-oid' which means 'process'. It is also known as 'sarcoid', as well as 'Besnier-Boeck disease' and also 'Besnier-Boeck-Schaumann' disease. Generally speaking, it may be evidenced by large amounts of 'chronic inflammatory cells' which can be know as 'granulomas' which have formed as nodules in multiple body organs. As to its cause, it has been stated that this is not known. The location for the 'granulomas' may frequently be in the lungs or otherwise lymph nodes additionally. Regarding the possible theories of what can cause sarcoidosis, ideas include dysregulation of the immune system, genetic associations, infectious agents, vitamin D dysregulation, hyperprolactinemia, thyroid disease, hypersensitivity/autoimmune issues and other causes.
However, having said that also any other organ may be affected in this regard. In terms of the speed of this process, it might be gradual and in fact 'asymptomatic' as well as 'chronic' in addition. Generally speaking about its recovery, this might be spontaneously and as a statistic in this regard, after 9 years it is reported that about 2/3 have recovered symptomatically after this time. Whilst that may be the case it is reported that 50% of people may have relapses. Furthermore, about 10% may gain serious disabilities and additionally for some there might be lung scarring or infection which may lead to respiratory failure and even death.
Sarcoidosis Symptoms
In terms of the symptoms that might be evidenced by sarcoidosis, these can be vague and for instance could be fatigue due lack of sleep and in addition symptoms include dry eyes and skin lesions. In fact, it is claimed that the conditions of sarcoidosis and cancer may be similar and thus cause it to be difficult to tell the difference between them. The condition of cardia sarcoidosis is one which may involve 20-30% of sufferers and the results may be range up to fatal ventricular arrhythmia. Manifestations in the eyes can included retinal inflammation among others and could lead to visual loss or blindness.
In terms of the nervous system, it may be connected with less than 1% of those suffering with sarcoidosis. Furthermore, another issue with this condition might be scalp problems whereby sufferers may have patchy or diffuse hair loss evidenced. Thus it is clear that the conditions may be multiple and varied and even hard to define between other conditions such as already mentioned cancer. Regarding pregnancy, it is reported that sarcoidosis may not have a particularly negative effect on this situation and in fact there may be a slight benefit by the endogenous estrogen that is produced. Moreover, the regular course of sarcoidosis may be unaffected by pregnancy and it is additionally reported that there may be slight improvement or deterioration furthermore.
Sarcoidosis Treatment
In terms of treatment options that are available, it is reported that first of all for 30-70% approximately of patients, they do not require any form of therapy. However, in the instance that therapy is used, it is reported that corticosteroids are the most typical type used especially prednisolone. It is reported that for some this treatment can slow down or even reverse the disease. However, equally it is stated that others do not respond well to steroid therapy as some might. As already mentioned, in some instances the condition is reported to remit spontaneously, so the steroid use is therefore controversial and the medicine may have negative side effects. For those who are suffering severely, steroids might normally be used.
In terms of the prognosis, it is reported that about half may be cured by 12-36 months and more so by 5 years. However equally it is reported that some cases may continue for some decades. Furthermore, it is stated that in situations that the heart is involved the outcome may be poor. Additionally, it is reported that for those suffering with sarcoidosis, they may also be at particularly more risk of cancer especially lung cancer. Moreover, in the case of sarcoidosis-lymphoma, it is reported that it is followed by a lymphoproliferative disorder such as for instance non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Furthermore, there have been additional reports of 'hairy cell leukemia'; and other maladies associated with the condition known a sarcoidosis.