Systemic Sclerosis (Scleroderma)
- Diagnosis
Depending on the symptoms, scleroderma can be diagnosed by many different specialists, including rheumatologists, dermatologists or internists. The most common test for scleroderma is an immunological blood test that detects antibodies produced by the body that are specific for scleroderma.
Occasionally a skin biopsy (in which a sample of the skin is taken for examination under a microscope) or examination of the small blood vessels of the nailbed under the microscope is required. Other tests may include X-rays, CT scan, echocardiogram (heart scan), lung function test, endoscopy (to look at the oesophagus and stomach) and urine tests, depending on whether other internal organs are affected.
