Scleroderma

A healthcare provider will diagnose scleroderma with a physical exam and some tests.

You might need to visit a rheumatologist, a healthcare provider who specializes in treating autoimmune disorders. They’ll examine your body and ask you about your symptoms. Tell your provider which symptoms you’re experiencing, when you first noticed them and if anything seems to make them worse.

You’ll also need a few tests to rule out other conditions that cause similar symptoms.

What tests do healthcare providers use to diagnose scleroderma?

Diagnosing scleroderma is usually part of a differential diagnosis. This means your provider will probably use a few tests to determine what’s causing your symptoms before ruling out other conditions and diagnosing you with scleroderma. Some tests you might need include:

• Blood tests to see how well your immune system is working.
• Pulmonary function tests to show if your lungs or respiratory system are affected.
• Biopsy to remove a sample of your affected skin or other tissue for testing in a lab.
• Endoscopy (looking inside your throat or stomach with a tiny camera attached to a long, thin tube) if you’re experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms.

You’ll probably also need a few imaging tests to take pictures of the inside of your body, including:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG).
• Echocardiogram (Echo).
• A chest X-ray.
• A computed tomography (CT) scan.