Dermatopathology
Obtain an Accurate Diagnosis – Dermatopathology at Penn Medicine
Patients often come to Penn Dermatology to obtain a second opinion on a previous diagnosis or to find out about other treatment options. Obtaining an accurate diagnosis or getting a diagnosis verified is the first step and integral part of every patient’s treatment plan.
Skin pathologists or dermatopathologists are highly skilled dermatologists and pathologists who specialize in diagnosing skin disorders by using a microscope and state-of-the-art skin studies. Skin pathologists work closely with a patient’s dermatologist or other referring doctor to determine the cause of the skin, hair, nail or oral disease or condition.
Diagnostic Skin, Hair, Nail and Oral Pathology Testing at Penn
Penn’s dermatopathologists are considered among the best in the country. At Penn Dermatology, board-certified skin pathologists and a board-certified oral pathologist work directly with Penn doctors and referring physicians and dermatologists to accurately diagnose common, unknown, rare, complex or chronic conditions.
Penn Dermatology is one of the few dermatology departments in the United States with dedicated dermatology research laboratories and dermatopathology facilities. Penn’s dermatopathologists offer expertise in all areas of skin diseases and disorders, including:
- Benign and malignant tumors of the skin
- Bullous disorders
- Cutaneous lymphoma
- Hair disorders
- Inflammatory and infectious dermatoses
- Melanoma
- Nail disorders
- Soft tissue tumors
Physicians and medical practitioners from other hospitals and health systems from the Philadelphia region and across the country routinely send laboratory tests to Penn’s pathologists for:
- Guaranteed accuracy
- Trustworthy diagnostic interpretations
- Exceptional service
- Prompt results
In addition, Penn Dermatology trains future leaders in dermatopathology and hosts international observers interested in skin pathology at its state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities.
Although patients do not make appointments directly with a skin or oral pathologist, they are welcome to ask their dermatologist or referring physician to obtain a diagnosis or consultation or send a specimen to the Penn Cutaneous Pathology Services. This special website for physicians and dermatologists provide thorough instructions on how to obtain diagnostic skin, hair, nail and oral studies at Penn. This service provides referring physicians from Penn and other healthcare facilities with fast and reliable results and the highest quality service.