[Pulmonary sarcoidosis or intrathoracic malignant lymphoma--the significance of a histological diagnosis].

The clinical appearance of sarcoidosis and the changes seen on x-ray of the thorax are often typical. However, several other conditions may present the same symptoms and identical x-ray findings. The present case report emphasizes the importance of an invasive approach and of histological investigation in patients in whom carcoidosis is suspected. For almost one year, a man aged 29 years was considered to be suffering from sarcoidosis on account of the clinical symptoms and bilateral hilar adenitis on x-ray op the thorax. He was treated with steroid for several months with clinical and radiological response. After the illness has lasted for one year, bronchoscopy was performed and bronchial biopsies revealed the diagnosis of malignant lymphoma.