Diffuse scleroderma can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract.

Diffuse scleroderma also affects internal organs (such as the heart, lungs or kidneys) more often.

Diffuse scleroderma can cause musculoskeletal, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, renal and other complications.

While skin involvement is on the foreground, the process may involve any organ and resembles diffuse scleroderma or systemic sclerosis.

Diffuse Scleroderma - affects the skin as well as the heart, lungs, GI tract, and kidneys.

Others with severe, rapidly progressive disease - a group which makes up less than 10% of the total number of patients with diffuse scleroderma - might have a 50% chance of a five-year survival.

Lungs Some impairment in lung function is almost universally seen in patients with diffuse scleroderma on pulmonary function testing; however, it does not necessarily cause symptoms, such as shortness of breath.

Diffuse scleroderma: Occurs with a more rapid onset and involves thickening of the skin of the trunk (middle part of body), thighs and upper arms in addition to the hands and feet.