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Cutaneous Sarcoidosis and Granulomatous Diseases

Cutaneous sarcoidosis and chronic granulomatous diseases affect your skin (the body’s largest organ), as well as internal organs. Our dermatologists manage skin granulomas (inflammatory lumps) and partner with other experts to protect your health.
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Expert care for skin sarcoidosis and granulomas

Cutaneous sarcoidosis and chronic granulomatous diseases cause lumps of immune cells (granulomas) to form in your skin and other organs. Skin symptoms can occur on your limbs, face, and neck, affecting your appearance. Our dermatologists specialize in managing these rare, complex skin disorders. Because granulomas can affect organs, they work with other specialists to provide comprehensive care.
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Expert care for skin granulomas

Our dermatologists understand the challenges of living with chronic granuloma-causing conditions. We offer expert care to manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
About cutaneous sarcoidosis
An immune system response causes cutaneous sarcoidosis. Your immune system helps your body fight off germs. Sometimes the immune system overreacts, causing a surge in immune cells. The cells can clump together, forming bumps (granulomas) on your skin and inside your body. Skin sarcoidosis is more common in people with darker skin tones. Exposure to certain chemicals or medications may trigger this condition.
About chronic granulomatous diseases
Changes (mutations) to genes cause chronic granulomatous diseases. You can inherit this gene change from a parent, or it may occur for no known reason. The changed gene causes your immune system to not work as it should (immunodeficiency). You may have frequent bacterial and fungal infections. As immune cells rush in to fight an infection, they clump together into lumps or granulomas. These lumps can form in skin tissue and other tissues throughout your body.
Multidisciplinary team approach to care

Depending on where granulomas form in your body, your care team may include dermatologists, as well as specialists in:

Expert diagnosis of skin granulomas

A biopsy of cells from a skin lump can aid diagnosis. Our world-renowned dermatopathologists are doctors who specialize in advanced lab tests to diagnose complex skin disorders.

You may also get one or more of these tests:

  • Dihydrorhodamine (DHR) flow cytometry test to diagnose chronic granulomatous diseases
  • Genetic testing to look for specific gene changes that cause specific subtypes of granulomatous diseases
  • Chest X-rays, lung function test, eye exams, electrocardiogram (ECG), and other tests to check for granulomas in organs
Comprehensive skin sarcoidosis and granuloma treatments

We customize a care plan for your distinct diagnosis, symptoms, and needs. As one of the region’s largest dermatology providers, we offer extensive treatments not widely found elsewhere. Treatment options include:

  • Biological therapies, such as infliximab or adalimumab
  • Immunosuppressants
  • Immunomodulators, such as interferon gamma-1b injections (drug)
  • Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors
  • Laser or light therapies
  • Medications, including corticosteroids, antibiotics, and antifungals
  • Phototherapy
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Our approach

Advanced care for all types of granuloma-causing diseases

We offer the latest evidence-backed treatments for skin granuloma conditions that affect your appearance, health, and quality of life.
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Conditions and treatments

Dermatology research

Our dermatologists are active in research to find better, more effective ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat cutaneous sarcoidosis and chronic granulomatous diseases.
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We offer specialized services to manage skin granulomas brought on by cutaneous sarcoidosis and chronic granulomatous diseases. Our dermatologists are your trusted partners in care.

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Services and programs

Contact Cutaneous Sarcoidosis and Granulomatous Diseases

Call us to speak with a team member who can help you understand your options and guide you to the care that is right for you. With locations throughout New England and support for patients traveling from outside the United States, we make it easier to access coordinated, expert care.
Phone

Massachusetts General Hospital
617-726-2914

Brigham and Women’s Hospital
617-525-9496

Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital
617-983-7324

Martha’s Vineyard Hospital
508-693-8183

Nantucket Cottage Hospital
508-825-1000

International
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