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Preparing for your appointment

By Mayo Clinic staff

You're likely to start by seeing your family doctor. He or she may eventually refer you to a lung specialist since sarcoidosis most commonly involves the lungs. The pulmonologist might then refer you to other specialists, if needed.

What you can do
Before your appointment, you might want to write a list that answers the following questions:

  • What types of symptoms are you experiencing? When did they start?
  • Have you ever been exposed to environmental toxins, perhaps in a manufacturing or farming job?
  • Do you know if anyone in your family has ever had sarcoidosis?
  • What types of medical conditions have you had in the past?
  • What types of medications or supplements do you take?

What to expect from your doctor
During the physical exam, your doctor will closely examine any skin lesions you may have, and will listen carefully to your heart and lungs. He or she will also check your lymph nodes for any swelling. Your doctor may also be interested in seeing past chest X-rays, to check for signs of early sarcoidosis that may have been overlooked.

References
  1. Sarcoidosis. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/sarc/sar_whatis.html. Accessed April 21, 2010.
  2. Ferri FF. Sarcoidosis. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2010. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/196535409-4/986729825/2088/583.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05609-0..00028-9--sc0020_11937. Accessed April 21, 2010.
  3. Weinberger SE. Sarcoidosis. In: Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/196535409-4/986729825/1492/382.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50100-2_4032. Accessed April 21, 2010.
  4. Dempsey OJ, et al. Sarcoidosis. British Medical Journal. 2009;339:620.
  5. King TE. Patient information: Sarcoidosis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 21, 2010.
  6. Rosenow EC (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. May 5, 2010.
  7. King CS, et al. Treatment of sarcoidosis. Disease a Month. 2009;55:704.
DS00251 July 15, 2010

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