Histopathological examination in dermatology involves the examination of a skin fragment obtained from either a skin biopsy or excision of a tumor in order to make an accurate diagnosis and establish a subsequent therapeutic plan.
This paraclinical examination is performed by an anatomic pathologist, and which describes the structural and compositional changes in the analyzed sample.
Interpretation of skin specimens can be complicated and difficult because many inflammatory skin diseases share the same underlying inflammatory process or pattern. The final diagnosis requires clinical input and clinico-pathologic correlation.
Depending on the observed dermatopathologic pattern present and/or clinical features, special tests may be required to identify the causative agents (e.g. bacteria or fungi), specific substances deposited in the skin (e.g. amyloid, iron or melanin) or specific markers to identify the origin, nature and distribution of cells in the examined specimen.
The sample is analyzed systematically, examining the structure of the epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous tissue, fascia and underlying structures. Based on the findings, the pathologist can come up with a definitive diagnosis or list several possible explanations, creating a differential diagnosis. Integrating the clinical information together with the pathologic findings generates the final diagnosis or lists several possible explanations, creating a differential diagnosis. Integrating clinical information with pathologic findings generates the final diagnosis.
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