Background & Scope
Dermatopathology focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases. It is a specialty within both the field of pathology and the field of dermatology. It deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases related to the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes. Using a microscope, dermatopathologists evaluate the microanatomy of cell samples from those areas to identify and diagnose different types of skin diseases.
Dermatopathology includes the diagnosis of inflammatory diseases (such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis), infectious diseases (such as herpes zoster, warts, and candidiasis), autoimmune diseases (such as lupus erythematosus), benign tumors (such as nevi), and malignant tumors (such as basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma). Dermatopathologists are also involved in the diagnosis and management of congenital skin disorders, genetic disorders, and environmental exposures that can affect the skin.
To diagnose a skin condition, dermatopathologists may perform a biopsy or review slides from existing tissue samples. Biopsy involves taking a small section of affected skin for microscopic examination. This allows the dermatopathologist to identify tissue abnormalities. Based on this examination, they can make a diagnosis.
Qualifications, Training, and Certifications
To become a dermatopathologist, a physician must have completed a residency in either dermatology or pathology. After residency, they must then must complete an accredited dermatopathology fellowship program to learn about the techniques and methods used to diagnose skin conditions and diseases.
Certification in Dermatopathology is available from the American Board of Dermatology (ABD) or the American Board of Pathology (ABP).
Conditions, Diseases, Treatments, and Procedures
Dermatopathologists use a variety of techniques, such as histology and electron microscopy, to diagnose a variety of skin conditions. Some of the most common conditions diagnosed by dermatopathologists include eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, herpes zoster, warts, scabies, candidiasis, lupus erythematosus, nevi, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Dermatopathologists are also involved in the diagnosis and management of congenital skin disorders, genetic disorders, and environmental exposures that can affect the skin.
Treatment options for these conditions include topical medications, systemic medications, phototherapy, and surgical procedures.
In addition to making diagnoses and recommending treatments, dermatopathologists also perform procedures such as biopsies and skin punch biopsies. A biopsy involves taking a small section of affected skin for examination under a microscope. This allows the dermatopathologist to identify any abnormalities in the tissue structure that may indicate a specific condition. Skin punch biopsies involve using a small tool to remove a circular sample from an area of concern on the skin.
Related Medical Specialties
Dermatopathology requires specialized knowledge and training in order to accurately diagnose different types of skin conditions and recommend appropriate treatments.
Several related medical specialties work with dermatopathologists. These include:
• Dermatology: Dermatologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases. They are responsible for diagnosing, treating, and managing various skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, and warts.
• Pathology: Pathology focuses on the study of tissues, cells, and organs to diagnose diseases and disorders. Pathologists often work with dermatopathologists to identify abnormalities in the skin, nails, hair and mucous structure.
• Plastic Surgery: Plastic surgeons often work with dermatopathologists to diagnose and treat skin disorders such as scars, birthmarks, or other disfigurements.
• Genetics: Geneticists may collaborate with dermatopathologists to diagnose and treat skin conditions caused by genetic factors or mutations.
Medical-Legal Cases Involving Dermatopathology
Medical-legal cases involving dermatopathology typically involve claims of failure to diagnose by a dermatopathologist. Other cases may involve determining the correct diagnosis, for example distinguishing burns versus Stevens-Johnson syndrome or whether a reaction was allergic or to a chemical irritant. Still others involve whether a physician in another field instituted correct treatment, as when a surgeon should or should not have removed tissue.