This comprehensive compilation provides authoritative information and practical advice from the nation's health experts about scleroderma and related conditions. Starting with the basics, and advancing to detailed patient-oriented and physician-quality information, the 21st Century Sourcebook series gives empowered patients, families, caregivers, nurses, and physicians the information they need to understand this disease. There is extensive coverage of symptoms, diagnosis, medical testing, treatment options, and prognosis. A comprehensive list of clinical trials related to scleroderma is included. Related topics are fully covered: Raynaud's phenomenon, morphea and linear scleroderma, localized scleroderma and systemic sclerosis, CREST, and more.

Derived from the Greek words "sklerosis," meaning hardness, and "derma," meaning skin, scleroderma means hard skin. Although it is frequently referred to though it were a single disease, scleroderma is really a symptom of a group of diseases involving the abnormal growth of connective tissue, which supports the skin and internal organs. In some forms of scleroderma, hard, tight skin is the extent of this abnormal process. In other forms, however, the problem goes much deeper, affecting blood vessels and internal organs, such as the heart, lungs, and kidneys. Scleroderma is both a rheumatic disease and a connective tissue disease. The term rheumatic disease refers to conditions characterized by inflammation or pain in the muscles, joints, or fibrous tissue. A connective tissue disease affects tissues such as skin, tendons, and cartilage.

Extensive bonus supplements, with over ninety chapters gathered from our Medical Fundamentals ebook and other reports, cover a broad range of health care topics useful to everyone. This edition includes our exclusive Guide to Leading Medical Websites with updated links to 81 of the best sites for medical information, which let you quickly check for updates from the government and the best commercial portals, news sites, reference/textbook/non-commercial portals, and health organizations.

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