Dictionary of Cancer Terms
View in Spanish: Lupus eritematoso sistémico
Systemic lupus erythematosus (sis-TEH-mik LOO-pus ER-ih-THEE-muh-TOH-sus)
A chronic, inflammatory, connective tissue disease that can affect the joints and many organs, including the skin, heart, lungs, kidneys, and nervous system. It can cause many different symptoms; however, not everyone with systemic lupus erythematosus has all of the symptoms. Also called lupus and SLE.
Source: National Cancer Institute Dictionary of Cancer Terms, available at www.cancer.gov/dictionary.