[From skin biopsy to diagnosis]

Abstract

The procedure from skin biopsy to a histologic diagnosis is complex. The clinician is responsible for obtaining the biopsy and submitting it to the laboratory together with clinical information. After processing, the dermatopathologist interprets the slides by using algorithms and established criteria that allow for high diagnostic accuracy. Depending on the differential diagnostic problem, histo- und immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy and molecular pathology may be helpful. The clinician has to interpret the histologic report and put it in a clinical context. While there are many sources of error in the process, most appear in the communication between clinician and dermatopathologist. The final diagnosis is always made by the clinician.