Dermatopathology
Dermatopathology, Dermatopathologist, Skin Disease Diagnosis, Skin Disorders
Dermatopathology is a branch of dermatology that deals
with studying skin
disorders through a series of tests. This involves microscopic
examination of skin tissue to diagnose a problem. The diagnosis is done
by examining skin biopsies, pathogenesis of skin disorders at the lowest
possible level, that is, at the cellular level and studying the possible
causes of the disorder. Dermatopathologists
work in conjunction with dermatologists where the details of the patient
along with the skin sample are given to the dermatopathologist for correct
diagnosis. The results are presented to the dermatologist
and so that the treatment can be given accordingly.
Though skin diseases
can be diagnosed through visual examination, some disorders may not be
easy to detect just by looking at the appearance on the skin. In this
case a skin biopsy is taken for in-depth examination under the microscopic
lens. The histology of the disorder is detected when the skin sample is
examined under the microscope, thus giving a clear diagnosis. In case
some things are still not clear further tests are recommended. These may
include electron microscopy, flow cytometry and immunofluorescence.
One of the major challenges that the field of dermatology
faces is the number of disorders. There are about 1500 known skin disorders,
where only a fraction occur commonly and can be diagnosed through simple
examination. Thus diagnosing an unusual skin disease poses a challenge
to the dermatologist as well as the dermatopathologist.
A dermatopathologist must complete four years in a recognized
medical school followed by a residency program for three years. This training
may be in anatomic pathology or dermatology. Additionally a dermatopathologist
must complete two years training in the specific field or dermatopathology.
In case a trainee is already a pathologist, he must undergo training in
clinical dermatology for six months to qualify as a dermatopathologist.
Other than this, a dermatopathologist is certified by the American Board
of Pathology or Dermatology; or American Osteopathic Board of Pathology
or Dermatology. A board certification qualifies the dermatopathologist
as an expert in detecting and correctly diagnosing a skin disease. They
work in conjunction with dermatologists and other pathologists to diagnose
an abnormal biopsy or skin lesions.
A dermatopathologist
works at a hospital or research center and assists in diagnosis of diseases
such as melanoma, immunologic, pediatric disorders, skin cancers and skin
infections. They also deal in making microscopic observation of nails,
scalp and hair for possible cause of related disease.
