Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: October 25, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis

  • Single most likely diagnosis
    • Sarcoidosis: The presence of a hilar mass on chest X-ray, weight loss, fatigue, and chronic cough, along with skin manifestations like erythematous rings and a wood-grain pattern, are highly suggestive of sarcoidosis. This condition is known for its multi-system involvement, including the lungs and skin.
  • Other Likely diagnoses
    • Lymphoma: The combination of weight loss, fatigue, chronic cough, and a hilar mass could indicate lymphoma, which can also have cutaneous manifestations. However, the specific skin pattern described is less typical for lymphoma.
    • Tuberculosis: Although less likely given the skin findings, tuberculosis (TB) can cause a hilar mass and systemic symptoms like weight loss and fatigue. The chronic cough also raises the possibility of TB, especially in the context of a hilar mass.
  • Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
    • Lung Cancer: The presence of a hilar mass and systemic symptoms such as weight loss and fatigue mandates consideration of lung cancer, despite the unusual skin findings. Lung cancer can have paraneoplastic syndromes that might explain the skin manifestations.
    • Infectious Diseases (e.g., Histoplasmosis): Certain infectious diseases can mimic the presentation of sarcoidosis, including lung involvement and skin manifestations. These conditions are critical to identify due to their potential for serious morbidity and mortality if not treated appropriately.
  • Rare diagnoses
    • Erythema Migrans (Lyme Disease): Although the description of rapidly spreading concentric erythematous rings might suggest erythema migrans, the presence of a hilar mass and other systemic symptoms makes this diagnosis less likely. However, in endemic areas, it's a consideration, especially if the patient has been exposed to ticks.
    • Necrobiotic Xanthogranuloma: A rare condition that can present with skin lesions and systemic symptoms, including lung involvement. It's associated with paraproteinemias and would be an unusual but possible explanation for the patient's symptoms.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.