Dermatopathology

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Skin Specimen Preparation
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Physicians nationwide turn to Convergent Knoxville for diagnostic expertise in skin disorders including:

  • Pigmented lesions (Melanoma)

  • Metastatic neoplasms

  • Soft tissue neoplasms

  • Vulvar biopsies

  • Primary cutaneous neoplasms (basal cell, squamous cell carcinomas)

  • Adnexal neoplasms

  • Inflammatory skin diseases (including blistering diseases, lupus erythematosus, vasculitis)

  • Ocular adnexa (eyelid, conjunctiva, orbit)

  • Nail disorders

  • Alopecia

Diagnostic Consultation

Convergent Knoxville is a recognized leader in dermatopathology diagnostics. Problem cases previously submitted to other laboratories and second opinion requests are routinely accepted. In addition to biopsied tissues, microscopic slides prepared elsewhere and tissue blocks may be submitted.

Routine Histopathology

The majority of skin biopsies and excisions are successfully analyzed using routine histopathology (H&E). Special stains and ancillary testing are ordered only when necessary or when requested by the clinician.

Evaluation of Tumor Margins

All excisional biopsies are examined and sectioned to ensure accurate representation and orientation of margins on slides.

Special Histochemical Stains

Inflammatory and other skin diseases may require special staining to detect certain cell types or infectious agents such as fungi and mycobacterium.

Immunohistochemistry (IHC)

A full range of antibodies against tissue and cellular biomarkers are available for evaluation of neoplasms including epithelial tumors, lymphoproliferative malignancies and poorly differentiated spindle cell tumors.

Immunofluorescence (direct & indirect)

Complex skin or mucosal specimens are tested for autoimmune blistering, connective tissue & inflammatory diseases and other dermatoses including:

  • Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Groups

  • Dermatitis Herpetiformis

  • Lupus Erythematosus & other Collagen Vascular Diseases

  • Vasculitis versus Urticaria

  • Porphyria Cutanea Tarda

  • Lichen planus
    (Direct on skin biopsies & indirect on serum to detect circulating skin antibodies)

Immunopathology/Molecular Diagnostics

Many dermatological diseases demonstrate cutaneous lymphoproliferative processes. Adjuvant molecular testing may be utilized for diagnosis, staging and treatment recommendations. Testing may include flow cytometry, B cell & T cell receptor gene rearrangement studies, BRAF mutational analysis, FISH, and electron microscopy.