Introduction to

Dermatopathology

Deba P Sarma, MD
Omaha
Anatomy of skin
SKIN:
Epidermis: Squamous cells, melanocytes

Dermis: Adnexal structures: Hair, sebaceous glands,

sweat glands
Non-adnexal structures: Arrectores muscle,
blood and lymphatic vessels,
fibrous tissue, nerves

Subcutis: Adipose tissue, vessels, nerves, fibrous tissue

Types of specimen

Biopsy: Curretage, shave, punch, excisional

Excision
 How to study a skin slide under microscope
• TOP DOWN
• Keratin…Epidermis…Dermis…Subcutis
 Common lesions
Neoplastic:
Benign: Acrochordon, Epidermal cyst, Seborrheic
keratosis, Actinic keratosis, Verruca,
Melanocytic nevus, Dermatofibroma,
Neurofibroma, Hemangioma, Lipoma
Malignant: Basal cell carcinoma, Squamous cell
carcinoma, Malignant melanoma
Non-neoplasic:
Lentigo, Dermatophytosis, Dermatitis, Vasculitis
Acrochordon
Epidermal Cyst
Seborrheic keratosis
Actinic keratosis
Verruca vulgaris
Melanocytic nevus
Dermatofibroma
Neurofibroma
Hemangioma
Lipoma
 Malignant Tumors
• Basal cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma
Malignant melanoma
 Non-neoplastic lesions
• Dermatitis
Dermatophytosis