Abstract A variety of different diseases are grouped together under the diagnosis of scleroderma. The focal (or localized) forms of scleroderma are often mild and may not require any treatment. In contrast, progressive systemic sclerosis (also called diffuse scleroderma) is a life-threatening disease typically involving the heart, lungs, and other organs. Fortunately, the mild forms of scleroderma are far more common than the severe ones.