Practical Strategies to Improve the Clinical Utility of the Dermatopathology Report

Abstract

Context.—Dermatologists and subspecialty dermatopathologists, working together over many years, develop a common understanding of clinical information provided on the requisition and of terminology used in the pathology report. Challenges arise for pathologists without additional subspecialty training in dermatology/dermatopathology, and for any pathologist reporting skin biopsies for nondermatologists such as general practitioners or surgeons. Objective.—To provide practical strategies to improve efficiency of dermatopathology sign-out, at the same time providing the clinician with clear diagnostic and prognostic information to guide patient management. Data Sources.—The information outlined in this review is based on our own experiences with routine dermatopathology and dermatology practice, and review of English-language articles related to the selected topics discussed. Conclusions.—Using generic diagnoses for some benign lesions, listing pertinent negatives in the pathology report, and using logical risk management strategies when reporting on basal cell carcinoma, partial biopsies, or specimens with incomplete clinical information allow the pathologist to convey relevant and useful diagnostic information to the treating clinician.