Sarcoidosis of Liver Treatment

Sarcoidosis is a condition that may affect many different organs in the body at one time. The liver is one organ that is commonly affected by sarcoidosis.

Identification

• Sarcoidosis may cause granulomas of the organs. A granuloma is a lump of inflammed tissue that forms in the organ. Sarcoidosis is a multi-organ disease and usually affects more than one organ.

Effects

• Sarcoidosis can cause an enlargement of the liver. This is due to the formation of granulomas. Some people may have symptoms that are so mild, they do not even realize their liver has been affected by this condition. Others may experience symptoms such as fatigue, itchy skin, jaundice or pain under the ribs on the upper right side.

Treatment

• The treatments for sarcoidosis of the liver may vary according to the severity of the illness. Surgery is not an option for sarcoidosis, as removing the granulomas may encourage the formulation of scar tissue. Medications may be used in treating sarcoidosis, but may affect the immune system. This can cause the patient to become sick more easily.

Causes

• The exact cause of sarcoidosis is not known, but it is believed to be a combination of factors. Viruses, chemicals and bacteria are thought to trigger this disease. In the United States, African-Americans and Scandinavians are most likely to develop sarcoidosis. Women are at a greater risk of sarcoidosis than men.

Considerations

• The treatment for sarcoidosis of the liver varies with the needs of each patient. The doctor will take the patient's history, symptoms and overall health into consideration when determining which treatment is best.