Dermatopathology

Dermatopathology is the study of the causes and nature of skin diseases. It is a subspecialty of anatomical pathology specializing in the microscopic interpretation of skin disease including inflammatory dermatosis, skin cancer, moles, atypical moles, and melanomas.

The American Academy of Dermatology, the largest and most influential academy of dermatologists, recently emphasized the importance of using Dermatopathologists for the accurate interpretation of skin diseases. They urge all patients to inquire about who is reading their skin biopsies and not to be afraid to ask for a second opinion. Whether a dermatologist, family physician, or surgeon obtains your skin biopsies, you can be assured of its accurate and precise interpretation by one of these expert Dermatopathologists.

Dermatopathologists are physicians who after completing their training in either dermatology or pathology pursued additional training in accredited programs for the interpretation of skin biopsies. These physicians integrate the clinical information with microscopic observations of the patient’s biopsy to provide diagnostic information to the treating physician. Dermatopathology is a consultative service to the referring dermatologist and is not simply another laboratory test.

Barr Dermatopathology, a division of Newport Harbor Pathology Medical Group, and an affiliate of Providence St. Joseph Health System, happily provides services to dermatologists, physicians, and patients.