Is morphea serious?
Morphea is a rare skin condition that will usually only affect the appearance of the skin and will go away without treatment. However, in more severe cases, morphea can cause mobility issues or deformities. In children, morphea can cause eye damage and problems with limb growth and movement.
What is the most serious complication of scleroderma?
Kidney function: When scleroderma affects the kidneys, the result can be an increase in blood pressure as well as the leakage of protein into the urine. In its most serious form (called scleroderma renal crisis), a rapid increase in blood pressure may occur, resulting in kidney failure.
What does crest syndrome mean?
CREST (calcinosis, Raynaud phenomenon, esophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasia) syndrome is a member of the heterogeneous group of sclerodermas, and its name is an acronym for the cardinal clinical features of the syndrome. [1, 2]
What are the pathological changes associated with scleroderma?
The clinical and pathologic manifestations result from three distinct processes: 1) severe fibroproliferative vascular lesions of small arteries and arterioles, 2) excessive and often progressive deposition of collagen and other extracellular matrix (ECM) macromolecules in skin and various internal organs, and 3) …
Is there a cure for morphea?
There is no cure for morphea. Type of treatment depends on the type of morphea and how severe it is. Current treatment is aimed at controlling symptoms until the morphea goes away on its own, typically within five years.
How long can you live with CREST?
The prognosis of CREST syndrome is relatively good with a long lasting disease duration (>10 years). Two complications are seldom associated with CREST syndrome: digital gangrene with finger losses and pulmonary hypertension (3 to 14% of CREST syndrome).
What is the best treatment for scleroderma?
Treating Scleroderma
- Getting pain relief through nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroids.
- Easing skin itchiness with skin lotions and moisturizers.
- Slowing skin thickening and minimizing damage to the internal organs with medication that suppresses the immune system.
How is scleroderma diagnosed?
To diagnose scleroderma, a doctor usually begins by asking you about your symptoms, health, and medical history. The doctor will also examine your skin for signs of hardening and thickening. If you have hard, thickened skin, a dermatologist may perform a skin biopsy to help diagnose you.
What is a pathology report for melanoma?
Samples of your melanoma tissue, removed during surgery or biopsy, will be sent to them for review. The pathology report is a result of their findings. This report contains important information about the tumor which is used to make treatment decisions.
What is the difference between localized scleroderma and systemic sclerosis?
Localized scleroderma and systemic sclerosis have indistinct histologic findings and require clinical correlation for their classification and subclassification. Systemic sclerosis may involve, in addition to skin and soft tissue, which of the following organs? D. Heart, lung, kidney and gastrointestinal system.
What is a pathology report and what does it mean?
What is a pathology report? A pathologist is a doctor who diagnoses diseases by looking at tissue from the body. Samples of your melanoma tissue, removed during surgery or biopsy, will be sent to them for review.