Scleroderma.

Last updated Tuesday, December 28, 2004

Diagnosis and evaluation

How is scleroderma diagnosed?

What tests may be used to diagnose scleroderma?

Laboratory tests and other studies may also be needed to help determine if you have scleroderma and whether it is present in internal organs. These tests can also rule out other diseases, but no single test will prove the presence of scleroderma.

Tests may include a biopsy, during which a small piece of skin is removed and examined under a microscope. The doctor may also check the esophagus to detect digestive problems. Tests to see whether the immune system is working normally are usually done on a small sample of blood. There are also tests which help detect early lung problems.

What health care professionals may help diagnose scleroderma?

Since scleroderma affects everyone differently your doctor may need to see you more than once. You may also need to see other doctors, such as an arthritis specialist or a skin specialist.

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