Sarcoidosis lung nodules in colorectal cancer follow-up: sarcoidosis or not?

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.