Case Report

Coexistence of Sarcoidosis and Malignancy

Authors: LTC (ret), William E. Caras, MD, FCCP COL (ret), Thomas Dillard, MD, FCCP LTC, Thomas Baker, MD COL (ret), Jerry Pluss, MD, FCCP

Abstract

In 1974, Brincker and Wilbek noted a statistically significant increase of malignant tumors among sarcoid patients and speculated that immunologic deficiencies stemming from sarcoidosis may predispose such patients to malignancy. In this article, we describe three additional cases of sarcoidosis and coexisting malignancy. The temporal presentation, radiographic features, and histologic findings are discussed in detail. The evidence for and against a proposed link between sarcoid and malignancy is reviewed.

This content is limited to qualifying members.

Existing members, please login first

If you have an existing account please login now to access this article or view purchase options.

Purchase only this article ($25)

Create a free account, then purchase this article to download or access it online for 24 hours.

Purchase an SMJ online subscription ($75)

Create a free account, then purchase a subscription to get complete access to all articles for a full year.

Purchase a membership plan (fees vary)

Premium members can access all articles plus recieve many more benefits. View all membership plans and benefit packages.

References

1. Brincker H, Wilbek E. The incidence of malignant tumours in patients with respiratory sarcoidosis. Br J Cancer 1974; 29: 247–251.
 
2. Roth D, West B, Madison J, et al. Gastric carcinoma in a patient with sarcoidosis of the gastrointestinal tract. Am J Gastroenterol 1994; 89: 1589–1591.
 
3. Finke R, Lydtin H, Prechtel K. Sarcoidosis and immunocytoma. Am J Med 1986; 80: 939–942.
 
4. Karakantza M, Matutes E, MacLennan K, et al. Association between sarcoidosis and lymphoma revisited. J Clin Pathol 1996; 49: 208–212.
 
5. Brincker H. Solid tumors preceding or following sarcoidosis. Med Pediatr Oncol 1987; 15: 82–88.
 
6. Suen JS, Forse MS, Hyland RH, et al. The malignancy-sarcoidosis syndrome. Chest 1990; 98: 1300–1302.
 
7. Yamaguchi M, Odaka M, Hosoda Y, et al. Excess death of lung cancer among sarcoidosis patients. Sarcoidosis 1991; 8: 51–55.
 
8. Askling J, Grunewald J, Eklund A, et al. Increased risk for cancer following sarcoidosis. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 1999; 160: 1668–1672.
 
9. Brincker H. Sarcoid reactions in malignant tumours. Cancer Treat Rev 1986; 13: 147–156.
 
10. Seersholm N, Vestbo J, Viskum K. Risk of malignant neoplasms in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis. Thorax 1997; 52: 892–894.
 
11. Reich JM, Mullooly JP, Johnson RE. Linkage analysis of malignancy-associated sarcoidosis. Chest 1995; 107: 605–613.