Dermatopathology Histology Artifacts

Excerpt

The interpretation of dermatopathology specimens can be confounded by artifacts unrelated to the primary pathology. Before making a histopathological diagnosis, tissue specimens must undergo a series of steps in preparation for microscopic examination. When errors occur in any stage of the tissue preparation process, artifact introduction to tissue specimens may result.

Tissue artifact refers to an artificial structure on a microscopic slide resulting from an extraneous factor. Many artifacts in dermatopathology specimens are present before tissue removal from the patient. Artifacts in tissue specimens can make interpretation difficult, especially if the pathologist is unfamiliar with the underlying etiology. Clinically, artifacts can be the primary reason for a biopsy, as in the case of a graphite tattoo. Both clinicians and pathologists should be aware of potential artifacts in tissue specimens, the etiology of the artifacts, and if the artifact is related to the primary pathology.