Dermatopathology is a specialty that involves examining skin cells under a microscope to diagnose various diseases like melanoma or psoriasis. Primary care doctors, hospitals, and dermatologists often connect with these lab professionals to get an in-depth look at a patient’s condition. If you’re thinking of sending patient samples to a dermatopathologist, here’s how to explain the process to them. 

What Is Dermatopathology? 

Dermatopathology professionals are physicians who attended medical school and receive board certification just like other doctors. However, they generally do not see patients. Instead, the primary care doctor or dermatologist makes the official diagnosis and treatment plans. You may simply send skin samples to these labs to get a more accurate picture of what condition is causing symptoms. 

How Does the Process Work?

If you’re a primary care physician or dermatologist, you may often diagnose skin conditions based on the appearance of a mole or rash, along with the patient’s description of their symptoms. This provides accurate diagnoses in many cases, but it can be trickier if the patient's symptoms and the skin’s appearance don’t completely align with the typical progression of a certain skin condition. 

If you’re not completely sure about your diagnosis but want to provide the most accurate treatment possible, you simply send skin samples to a lab to examine the cells. They provide an assessment of what disease signs are present, so you either confirm or change your initial stance. Patients do not actually need to see a dermatopathologist; they simply provide lab services. 

How Does It Benefit Patients?

Examining samples under a microscope allows dermatopathologists to see what is happening on a cellular level, rather than simply making a diagnosis based on how a rash or mole looks to the naked eye. This provides a more accurate assessment to confirm diagnoses, helping patients get the most relevant treatment quickly. It also prevents misdiagnosis, which can lead to delayed treatment or improper care.

If you’re looking for dermatopathology services to benefit your practice and patients, contact Summit Pathology in Loveland, CO. The independent, physician-owned pathology clinic serves physicians and hospitals throughout Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska. They tailor services to the needs of each facility and have pathologists on-call to respond to requests. Visit the website for a full list of services. For more information, call (970) 212-0530.