I went in to my doctor with large red bumps on my arms and legs, with pain and stiffness in my arm joints.

The cause of sarcoidosis is unknown. Possible causes could be infection, a hypersensitivity response, a genetic predisposition or environmental causes such as exposure to chemicals. As the cause is unknown current treatments are designed to treat the symptoms of sarcoidosis rather than cure this disease. See similar questions...

Sarcoidosis has been found to occur in families - however a genetic predisposition to this disease is unproven. If a person has sarcoidosis there may be a slightly increased risk of another family member developing this disease. See similar questions...

Multiple tests and procedures are therefore used to diagnose sarcoidosis which provide a fairly accurate diagnosis. About 95% of people with sarcoidosis have the correct diagnosis. See similar questions...

As the cause of sarcoidosis is not known there is no known way to prevent this disease. Only general preventative advice can be given. A possible cause could be environmental factors, so it would be advisable to not smoke, and to stay away from substances such as dust and chemicals which can harm the lungs. See similar questions...

Sarcoidosis affects all races and age groups. Usually it is diagnosed in young adults between the ages of 20 and 40 years. But every age group has newly diagnosed patients ? from very young children to senior citizens in their 90's. More women than men seem to be affected. Sarcoid is found world-wide, but appears to be more common among those of Northern European ancestry. "In the United States it appears that more Afro-Americans have sarcoidosis and is more prevalent among women then men." See similar questions...

A physician takes an extensive medical history from the patient, and does a thorough physical examination including blood work, pulmonary function tests (PFT) and x-rays. An Ophthalmologist may do a complete eye examination to rule out any disease process. Other diagnostic tests can include a Gallium Scan, CT scan, MRI and/or removal (biopsy) of a small piece of tissue from a suspected area. Examination of this specimen under a microscope will identify any granulomas present. See similar questions...

Anyone can get sarcoidosis. The disease occurs throughout the wolrd. Although it is more frequent in some parts of the world and less common in others, no race, sex or age group is excluded from the disease. See similar questions...

So far, research has shown that sarcoidosis is not caused by any known bacteria, mold or dust particles. Nor is it due to any gases or fumes. Some researchers believe that sarcoidosis is caused by a virus, but the nature of such an agent remains unclear. See similar questions...

If your lungs have been badly scarred, and if your sarcoidosis involves the heart, eyes or central nervous system, then most likely your disease is complicated and you will need treatment by a sarcoidosis specialist. If, however, sarcoidosis has only affected the glands in your lungs, it is probable that your disease will remain harmless. See similar questions...

Your local chapter of the American Lung Association and the American College of Chest Physicians will help you with sarcoidosis literature. Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE): Level of this enzyme is increased in the blood of patients with sarcoidosis. The test supports the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. Acid-fast staining: A method for recognizing the bacteria that causes tuberculosis (Mycobacterium tuberculosis). Antibody: Protein complex (an immunoglobulin) that interacts with an antigen. See similar questions...

Sarcoidosis is not a form of cancer. Sarcoidosis and cancer differ in the way cells develop. In cancer, cells multiply out of control and lack order. In sarcoidosis, cells act as if they are growing around an unseen invader eventually forming granulomas or lumps. Despite these differences, there is a link between sarcoidosis and cancer. People with sarcoidosis may be at a slightly higher risk of developing cancer - particularly liver, lung and skin cancers & lymphomas. See similar questions...

No, the treatment is more or less the same. However, immunosuppressive drugs are usually avoided in children. See similar questions...