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Lung diseases

Sarcoidosis

A disease in which small clusters of inflammation called granulomas form in the organs. The lungs, lymph nodes and skin are most often affected. In most people it gets better on its own.

Not part of the panel of Türkiye's National Newborn Screening Programme (heel-prick test). Source

Orphanet has a guideline for emergency doctors for this disease (language: French). See on Orphanet

Prepare an emergency card

This page is translated from the Turkish original.

This disease is followed through the “Lung diseases” group.

Understanding the disease

This section has not yet been reviewed by a physician. It summarises patient information from sources such as MedlinePlus, Orphanet and the NHS in plain language. The disease can differ from person to person; talk to your doctor about diagnosis and treatment.

What happens in this disease?

Immune cells form small clusters in the organs. These are called granulomas. Granulomas can occur in almost any organ. The lungs and lymph nodes are most often affected. A large number of granulomas can disturb how an organ works. The cause is not fully known.

Which symptoms can occur?

Symptoms depend on which organ is affected. Some people have no symptoms at all.

  • Dry cough and shortness of breath (lungs affected in 9 out of 10 people)
  • Painful, red lumps in the skin of the legs
  • Swollen glands in the neck, armpit or groin
  • Tiredness, fever, weight loss
  • Joint pain
  • Red, painful eyes
  • Heart rhythm problems (sometimes)

How is it diagnosed?

A chest X-ray and a CT scan are done. With a bronchoscopy, a small piece is taken from the lung or a lymph node. This piece is examined under a microscope. Blood and urine tests are done. The eyes, heart and skin are also checked.

Treatment and care

In many people, the disease goes away on its own within a few months or years. These people are only followed up regularly. If the eyes, heart, nervous system or lungs are affected, medicines that reduce inflammation are given. Sometimes medicines that suppress the immune system are also needed. If the heart rhythm is disturbed, a device that regulates the rhythm may be fitted. In very severe cases, an organ transplant may be considered. The doctor who follows the disease decides which treatment is suitable.

For the family: inheritance and genetic counselling

Sarcoidosis is not contagious. It is also not considered a directly inherited disease. Some genes may increase the risk. The risk is higher in people whose close relatives have the disease. If several family members are affected, it is helpful to talk to a doctor.

Source: NHS: Sarcoidosis · MedlinePlus: Sarcoidosis · Orphanet: Sarcoidosis (ORPHA:797)

Key facts

How common is it?
Prevalence: 1-5 per 10 000 (Worldwide)
How is it inherited?
Multigenic / multifactorial
When does it usually start?
Adolescence, Adulthood, Childhood, Older age
Gene(s) involved
HLA-DRB1, BTNL2
Reliable sources
Orphanet

These facts are taken from Orphanet and MedlinePlus records (last checked: October 7, 2026). Frequency values are approximate ranges.

You are not alone: patient associations in Türkiye

Non-profit patient and family organizations in Türkiye working on this disease or disease group. Links are for information; Doktorclub is not affiliated with these organizations and does not endorse them.

We could not find a patient association specific to this disease.

For all rare diseases: Nadir Hastalıklar Federasyonu

Support and help

Doktorclub does not diagnose, recommend treatments or refer you to hospitals or doctors. These pages are meant to help you talk with your doctor.

News about Sarcoidosis

Clinical trials (ClinicalTrials.gov)

A clinical trial is a regulated study that tests whether a new treatment is safe and whether it works, in patients who volunteer. Most trials look for a certain age, genetic change and health condition. Taking part is voluntary.

This list is not a treatment recommendation. Treatments tested in phase 1–3 trials are investigational (experimental): their efficacy and safety have not yet been proven and they are not approved treatments. Taking part depends on each trial’s criteria and a physician’s assessment; the first step is to talk to the doctor who manages your care.

Questions you can ask your doctor

  • Could this trial be suitable for us?
  • If we take part, how would current treatment and check-ups be affected?
  • Where does the trial take place, and how are travel and accommodation handled?
  • What happens if we want to leave the trial?

ClinicalTrials.gov lists 37 active interventional studies for this disease. 20 are recruiting now; 1 has a site in Türkiye. Last checked: October 7, 2026.

Selected records (studies with a site in Türkiye first):

See all studies on ClinicalTrials.gov · Joining clinical trials

Lung diseases: other news

Medical codes (for talking with your doctor and finding sources)

These codes identify the disease in international classifications and databases. They can help when you talk with your doctor or look for reliable sources.

Orphanet code: ORPHA:797 · ICD-11 4B20

Codes checked against WHO ICD-11 and Orphanet on October 7, 2026.

This page provides general information and does not replace diagnosis or treatment. Talk to your doctor about symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

The information on these pages is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. Talk to your doctor about diagnosis and treatment decisions. In an emergency in Türkiye, call 112.

Every update is based on an open source and labeled with its level of evidence. No advertising and no drug brand names. Our scientific principles

This page was translated from Turkish by the Doktorclub editorial team.