Betty Jenkins, age 14, of Pittsfield, Mass., for her question:

WHAT CAUSES SARCOIDOSIS?

Sarcoidosis is a disease in which small tumor like lumps form in many parts of the body. Scientists do not know what causes the disease. Here's how you pronounce the word: oar coy dough sis. Sarcoidosis can occur in one or more organs, including the bones, eyes, liver, skin and spleen. In most cases, it occurs in the lymph nodes of the chest and lungs. Doctors do not believe that sarcoidosis is contagious. Also, the disease seldom causes death.

Symptoms of sarcoidosis may resemble those of cancer or tuberculosis. Sarcoidosis in the lungs may cause coughing, accompanied by fatigue or fever.

The disease can be diagnosed through chest X rays, examination of tissue from one of the lumps and a skin test called the Kveim (CQ) test. A blood test also can be used to confirm a diagnosis of disease. Some patients are effectively treated with the drug cortisone but many victims recover without treatment in a period ranging from a month to two years.

Most sacoidosis victims are from 20 to 40 years old.