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There are no specific tests that can completely confirm or eliminate the possibility of scleroderma.
Your doctor may be able to diagnose scleroderma by taking a careful history of your symptoms and performing a thorough physical examination. Your doctor will look for classic skin changes associated with scleroderma, including calcium deposits under the skin and changes in the tiny blood vessels (capillaries) at the base of your fingernails. The skin changes of scleroderma are often characteristic enough to allow your doctor to accurately diagnose the condition.
If there are any questions, your doctor may recommend other tests to confirm the diagnosis or to evaluate how severely your internal organs are involved.
Such tests may include:
Blood Tests —A number of blood tests can point towards the presence of scleroderma. These include:
Imaging Tests —These tests can visualize the internal organs to see how the disease has affected them. Specific areas of the body to be examined with imaging tests may be chosen based on your symptoms. Imaging tests include:
Skin Biopsy —A small sample of skin may be removed and examined in a laboratory for specific characteristics that suggest scleroderma.
References:
Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine. 15th ed. McGraw-Hill; 2001.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niams.nih.gov/ .
Scleroderma Foundation website. Available at: http://www.scleroderma.org/ .
Last reviewed August 2008 by Ross Zeltser, MD, FAAD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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