Can a dentist diagnose lupus?

Is it possible to do some kind of biopsy on the gingival ulcers I have to see if it's caused by lupus? I've been through lots of tests with my doctor and neurologist. I have 4 of the 11 criteria for lupus including two positive blood tests: (ANA & DSDNA which was a high positive) achy joints and extreme fatigue, but my neurologist is convinced I have MS from the MRI and Lumbar Puncture. My most recent dentist said the red marks on my gums look exactly like lupus and I tested negative for all the other diseases that cause those kind of ulcers. So is there some kind of biopsy they can do?

No wonder it takes an average of 7 years for a person to get a clean diagnoses of Lupus. If it me, I would get the mouth ulcers looked at my a dermatologist. A dermatologist is a very experienced doctor who knows a lot about diseases and skin ulcers. If you had vasculitis for example, you would go to a dermatologist to get a skin biopsy. I would also let your rhuematologst see your mouth ulcers.

Have they tested you for antiphospholipid syndrome( also called Hughes's Syndrome) which often overlaps with lupus

"one of the main alternative diagnoses in patients with Hughes syndrome is multiple sclerosis"

Also, with your mouth ulcers consider Bechets. Its not common but people still do get it. Google pictures of it, because there is no blood test for it. I doubt they would think of it unless 6 mouths from now you get genital ulcers and even then they wouldn't make the connection because your mouth ulcers would be gone. It's always a good idea to take pictures of your ulcers for later reference.

If you ever get the red butterfly rash, take a picture for sure :)

Cutaneous lupus (affecting the skin) is diagnosed by a skin biopsy. It might work for oral ulcers however that is only for the kind of lupus that affects the skin. It does not diagnose systemic lupus.

The 11 criteria of the American College of Rheumatology are not diagnositic criteria. They are criteria for entering lupus clinical trials. Many other disorders can cause the same symptoms. And the symptoms do not carry equal weight. For example, if you have a kidney biopsy that confiirms lupus nephritis that is the only criteria you need for a diagnosis.

There are no definitive lab tests for lupus. You mention that you have a neurologist but not what your neurological symptoms are. Have you seen a rheumatologist? A rheumatologist is the kind of doctor who is trained in the very difficult process of diagnosing lupus. Most other doctors don't even know where to beging.

Ask for a referral to a rheumatologist. You can find one at www.rheumatology.org

Unfortunately there is no conclusive test for lupus. You should make an appointment with your medical doctor, while you still have the ulcers in your mouth (before they go away) so he can look at them. There are other types of autoimmune diseases (other than lupus) that have many of the same symptoms. Rather than a neurologist - I suggest that you see a rheumatologist.

no, unfortunately not. having a positive DSDNA is pretty much a clincher though. this test is fairly specific for lupus, not MS. now it is possible that you have both MS and Lupus.

http://getinfo.biz.tm
A very informative website, you can also get much information in website.

Unfortunately its very difficult to diagnose Lupus conclusively. I know, I've been going through all the same blood tests. I do have mouth sores, which may or may not be due to the Lupus that the rheumatologist suspects I have. My neurologist also suspected MS, however, my MRI was negative. I have yet to have an LP.

Strangely enough a lumbar puncture can also be used to identify inflammatory markers caused by Lupus.

Possibly more frustrating is the inability to diagnose what causes many of these gingival ulcers. Theories maintain that it could be the immune system overreacting (such as with lupus), a virus, or even just excess stress.

My recommendations are to seek a second opinion from a different rheumatologist. A positive ANA and DSDNA indicates some sort of immune disease. Also, you should have had a rheumatoid factor done as well. Don't discount the possiblity of MS either. If the neurologists suspects it because of MRI findings, it's possible he noticed spots of concern. I would also recommend a neurological second opinion.

Kudos on being proactive, whatever the outcome is. It's entirely possible you have MS and Lupus, or some other immune system disorder.