Dermatopathology is a subspecialty of dermatology and pathology that involves the study of skin disease at the microscopic level. Although many skin diseases can be recognized by their clinical appearance, sometimes a skin biopsy is taken to provide more information. This biopsy specimen is then examined under the microscope by a dermatopathologist who looks at the disease at the cellular level.

A dermatopathologist is a highly-trained physician who specializes in diagnosing diseases of the skin in the pathology laboratory. Dermatopathologists must first be board-certified in dermatology or anatomic pathology. They then receive additional training in an accredited fellowship training program for at least one year. Dermatopathologists are the most qualified doctors to interpret skin samples (biopsies), as the interpretation of a skin biopsy is not simply another laboratory test. Dermatopathologists provide a consultative service for your dermatology provider by analyzing clinical information in conjunction with the observations they make through a microscope. Therefore, a dermatopathologist’s expert and precise interpretation of biopsy specimens of skin becomes a crucial factor in the selection of appropriate therapies by your dermatology provider.

Skin Cancer Specialists, P.C. has a full-service, state-of-the-art dermatopathology laboratory.  When a biopsy is taken, the specimen is transported to our laboratory for processing and independent interpretation by our board-certified dermatopathologist. Jessie Lee, M.D. and Lynn D. Cooper, M.D. have years of experience in cutaneous pathology and will ensure the most thorough and accurate histopathologic evaluation possible. To learn more about our dermatopathologists, please click on their images above.