Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that affects multiple organs in the body, most commonly the lungs and lymph glands. The condition is characterized by the development of abnormal masses—nodules or granulomas—consisting of inflamed tissue that can alter the normal structure and function of the affected organ.
When sarcoidosis affects the lungs (pulmonary sarcoidosis), the most common symptoms are:
- cough
- dyspnea (difficulty breathing)
- chest pain.
Sarcoidosis mainly affects women aged 20 to 40, but can occur at any age in either sex. It is also more common in African-Americans and in people of Scandinavian, German, Irish and Puerto Rican descent. Compared with Caucasians, African-Americans are at significantly increased risk for development of this disease. They also are at greater risk for developing sarcoidosis that can last for years and produce severe symptoms. Although most cases affecting the lungs resolve regardless of treatment, in 20 to 30 percent of cases permanent lung damage will occur. This can reduce a person’s quality of life. No cure exists for sarcoidosis.
In January 2003, Cleveland Clinic was awarded a $2 million grant from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Minority Health. The funding was awarded to allow establishment of a Cleveland Clinic Sarcoidosis Center of Excellence, the only such center in the Northeast Ohio region. The overall mission of the Sarcoidosis Center inlcudes raising awareness of pulmonary sarcoidosis, improving the quality of care and minimizing the degree to which sarcoidosis can affect quality of life. The Sarcoidosis Center’s objectives include:
- offering patients with sarcoidosis access to a spectrum of specialists
- educating patients about the disease
- making the Sarcoidosis Center’s resources available to the community
- developing and cultivating research projects that improve the understanding, treatment and management of sarcoidosis.
For more information on the Sarcoidosis Center, call 216/445-8747, or call the Toll Free Sarcoidosis Hotline at 866-783-3679. Both numbers accept voice mail during and after normal business hours.
