Excision of cutaneous neoplasms is an important part of the practice of physicians who perform surgery on the skin. Determination of adequacy of excision histologically is a necessary component of treatment. All excisions are handled so that margins are sampled and sectioned to ensure evaluation of the complete extent of the neoplasm. Technicians expert in dealing with cutaneous biopsies treat each specimen with care and cut sections of high quality that are easily interpreted, lessening the possibility of technical error.

In addition to routine margin evaluation, rush permanent and frozen section margin evaluation are available on request.

Special Stains

Many disorders, especially inflammatory skin diseases, require special staining to search for infectious agents, evaluate elastic tissue, each for the presence of glycogen, Mucopolysaccharides, etc. Our laboratory is capable of performing all described special stains. Stains are not ordered indiscriminately but only in cases where they are deemed necessary.

Immunofluorescence and Immunohistochemistry

In addition to routine microscopy, our laboratory is fully equipped to perform immunofluorescence studies, both direct on tissue specimens and indirect on serum samples, for the diagnostic evaluation of immunobullous and connective tissue diseases. Michel’s transport media is supplied by our laboratory for these specimens. Immunofluorescence studies are performed daily so that 48 to 72 hour turnaround is available. All cases are correlated with routine microscopic findings. We also have available the full range of monoclonal antibodies for the immunohistochemical evaluation of neoplasms such as poorly differentiated spindle cell tumors and lymphoproliferative malignancies. Newly developed antibodies are routinely used for diagnosis of infectious diseases such as human papillomavirus infection, acid fast bacterial infections including Hansen’s disease and deep fungal infections. Our technicians also routinely engage in research activities that lead to more effective use of these antibodies as well as development of new ones.

Electron Microscopy

We have the resources of both scanning and transmission electron microscopy from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center available to our laboratory in cases where the need arises.

Interdepartmental Consultation and Collaboration

Collaboration with the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center is available in special cases where the need arises. The Division of Anatomic Surgical Pathology at Parkland Hospital, the Melanoma Multi-Disciplinary Conference of the Department of Dermatology, the Clinicopathologic Conference at St. Paul Hospital, the biweekly Baylor Skin Tumor Conference, as well as the molecular biology, hematopathology and immunopathology laboratories of the Department of Pathology are all available for difficult problems.

Clinicopathologic Correlation and Therapeutic Recommendation

Because our Dermatopathologists are trained in dermatology as well as in pathology, they are uniquely qualified to perform correlation between clinical and histologic findings. Our physicians are available to see patients as well as to evaluate clinical photographs in the context of histopathologic findings. Furthermore, our Dermatopathologists are skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases and can therefore offer direct therapeutic suggestions if necessary. They are available by phone and pager on a 24 hour basis. All telephone calls are returned promptly, virtually always on the same day the call is received.

Diagnostic Consultations

In addition to evaluation of tissues, our Dermatopathologists routinely interpret problem cases that have been previously submitted to other laboratories or that are submitted for second opinions.

Slide Services and Quality Assurance

For physicians who perform in-office interpretation of smears, scrapings and routine histology, our laboratory provides quality assurance testing. We are fully accredited by the College of American Pathologists and are approved for performance of all reference laboratory work. In addition, we prepare high quality slides at a reasonable cost to physicians who interpret their own histology.

Mycology Interpretation

Diagnostic interpretation of fungal cultures, either those grown in the physician's office or scrapings placed on agar slants provided by our laboratory, can be performed in our laboratory. The cost for this service is the same as for routine histopathology interpretation.

Fellowship Positions

Please contact Dr. Clay J. Cockerell at (214) 530-5200 ext. 210 for an application or e-mail:  tgolden@ameripath.com