An Introduction to Dermatopathology for Residents: Study Techniques, Tissue Processing, and Key Concepts

This video, “Dermpath Essentials Part 1,” is a great resource for anyone looking to get a solid foundation in dermatopathology. Hosted by board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist Dr. Justin Bandino, the session is particularly useful for PGY-2 residents.

The episode covers a range of essential topics, including:

• Approaching the Field: How to categorize and analyze cases using patterns and morphology.
• Study Techniques: Recommended textbooks, online resources, and study methods to help you prepare for exams.
• The Biopsy-to-Slide Process: A detailed walkthrough of how a tissue biopsy is handled, from initial fixation to final staining.
• Key Stains: An overview of common stains like H&E and an introduction to special stains and immunohistochemistry.
• Mohs vs. Conventional Processing: A comparison of different tissue processing methods and their clinical implications.

This presentation offers both introductory material and expert insights, making it a valuable tool for your training.

Chapter Breakdown:

• Chapter 1: Introduction and Why Study Dermatopathology?
  • This chapter provides an introduction to the topic and emphasizes the importance of dermatopathology for dermatology residents. It covers why the subject is crucial for various exams and for improving clinical practice.
• Chapter 2: Approaching Dermatopathology – Categories and Patterns
  • Dr. Bandino explains how to approach the study of dermatopathology, breaking it down into broad categories such as neoplastic, inflammatory, infectious, and miscellaneous conditions.
• Chapter 3: Study Techniques and Resources
  • This section offers practical advice on how to study the subject, recommending various textbooks and online resources like Sagis Diagnostics, PathPresenter.net, and Dermpathmd.com. It also mentions the use of Ackerman Algorithms and the importance of studying physical slides.
• Chapter 4: Tissue Processing – From Biopsy to Slide
  • This chapter gives a detailed step-by-step overview of how a tissue biopsy is processed, from fixation and grossing to embedding, sectioning, and staining. It also touches on special techniques for specific specimens like alopecia biopsies.
• Chapter 5: Stains – H&E and Special Stains
  • The video discusses the primary stains used in dermatopathology, focusing on the common Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) stain. It also explains the purpose of special stains and immunohistochemistry (IHC) in identifying specific cellular components.
• Chapter 6: Microscope Basics and Mohs Surgery Comparison
  • This chapter covers the basic use of a microscope and then compares the conventional “bread loafing” method of tissue processing with Mohs micrographic surgery, highlighting how Mohs examines 100% of the margins.
• Chapter 7: Guidelines and Conclusion
  • The final chapter briefly touches on the importance of using oncological guidelines (such as from the NCCN and AJCC) for cancer staging and concludes the presentation.