Abstract
Objective
Sarcoidosis is a multisystem chronic granulomatous disease found predominantly in
the lungs and lymph nodes. Its pathologic hallmark is the presence of noncaseating
granulomas. Sarcoidosis is a chronic inflammatory condition that may increase the
risk of cancer, yet at the same time, cancer can be associated with a sarcoid-like
reaction.
Methods
It is difficult to distinguish between sarcoidosis and sarcoid-like reactions because
their imaging characteristics are identical. We report on 3 cases of sarcoidosis or
sarcoid-like reactions in patients with colorectal cancer and highlight the diagnosis
process.
Results
Systemic symptoms observed in patients with sarcoidosis commonly can be masked or
mimicked by symptoms related to the malignancy. Moreover, it is important to distinguish
between the 2 entities to give patients adequate therapy.
Conclusion
Our cases focused on the usefulness of histologic proof in patients with cancer with
sarcoidosis.
Keywords
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Article Info
Footnotes
Funding: None.
Conflict of Interest: None.
Authorship: All authors had access to the data and played a role in writing this manuscript.
Identification
Copyright
© 2013 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
