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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

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Diagnosed With Scleroderma And Sjogren S. Having Hard Spots On Stomach. Help?

I was diagnosed with scleroderma and sjogren's, my primary doctor suggested I contact a dermatologist he recommended. I did and his office manager showed him my blood work and he said I should go to a rheumatologist. I was upset that he didn't take the time to see me. I have been reading about this and it's very upsetting, especially when it can internalize. I don't know what to do. I have these hard spots on my stomach and other areas. it keeps spreading. hope you can help. Carolyn
posted on Sat, 6 Jul 2013
Twitter Wed, 10 Jul 2013 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 11 Jul 2013 Last reviewed on
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Pathologist and Microbiologist,  's  Response
Hello and welcome to HCM,

In the background of Scleroderma and Sjogren's disease, the hard spots on various parts of the body can be a manifestation of the primary disease process especially scleroderma.
Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis and sclerosis (hardening of the subcutaneous tissue).
So, the hard spots could be involvement of the subcutaneous tissue by scleroderma.
A fine needle aspiration of the hard lesions can help to come to confirm or rule out this possibility.
If due to scleroderma, treatment of scleroderma will help to treat the spots also.
Consult your treating doctor (rheumatologist) for clinical examination of the spots, relevant investigation (fine needle aspiration) and further management.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal
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Diagnosed With Scleroderma And Sjogren S. Having Hard Spots On Stomach. Help?

Hello and welcome to HCM, In the background of Scleroderma and Sjogren s disease, the hard spots on various parts of the body can be a manifestation of the primary disease process especially scleroderma. Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis and sclerosis (hardening of the subcutaneous tissue). So, the hard spots could be involvement of the subcutaneous tissue by scleroderma. A fine needle aspiration of the hard lesions can help to come to confirm or rule out this possibility. If due to scleroderma, treatment of scleroderma will help to treat the spots also. Consult your treating doctor (rheumatologist) for clinical examination of the spots, relevant investigation (fine needle aspiration) and further management. Thanks and take care Dr Shailja P Wahal