Glossary of Terms

Sarcoidosis
A systemic disease of unknown causes. It is characterized by widespread formation of lesions, known as granulomas, in the lungs, liver, spleen, skin, eyes, parotid glands, and the lymph nodes of the mediastinum. It is often associated with a depression of cellular immunity. It is most prevalent in the southern United States. Sarcoidosis is not treatable by surgery, but surgery may be performed to make the diagnosis and to differentiate the sarcoid lesions from other causes such as tuberculosis or fungal infections.