Dermatopathology
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dermatopathology is a subspecialty of anatomical pathology interested in skin diseases. Dermatopathologists work in close association with dermatologists. In fact, many doctors master both specialties.
Dermatologists recognize most skin diseases based on their appearance, distribution on the body and behaviour with time. Occasionally, these criteria are not enough and a skin biopsy is taken to be examined under the microscope. This microscopic examination reveals the histology of the disease and clarifies the diagnosis. Occasionally, additional testing needs to be performed on skin samples, such as immunofluorescence, electron microscopy or flow cytometry.
One of the greatest challenges of dermatopathology is the high number of different skin diseases. There are an estimated 1500 different rashes and skin tumors, including variants, and not one doctor who has seen them all. Therefore, dermatology and dermatopathology are among the most complex specialties of Medicine.
A licensed dermatopathologist has completed four years of medical school, followed by residency training of three to five years in either dermatology or general pathology. Following that, an additional one to two years of dermatopathology training are completed. In the United States, he(she) is first certified by the American Board of Pathology or dermatology, then obtains subspecialty board certification in dermatopathology. Since 2003, the International Board of Dermatopathology certifies candidates in Europe.
