Dermatopathology

The skin is the human body's largest organ.

In addition to protecting the muscles, organs, and every other body tissue, it serves as an important temperature and fluid regulation system.

The skin is susceptible to infections and diseases, particularly cancer. Skin cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in the United States.

The appearance of the skin can also contain clues to other conditions, for example:

• a rash may indicate lupus
• hair loss may indicate a hormonal imbalance

The Role of the Dermatopathologist

If your doctor notices changes in your skin (a rash, a nodule, a mole, or other abnormality), he or she may perform a skin biopsy and have the sample sent to our lab.

Our expert dermatopathologists will examine it, send it for processing, analyze it microscopically and then provide your doctor with a diagnosis that will be used to establish a treatment plan.

Learn more about dermatopathology from the Department of Pathology.

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