Frequently Asked Questions

Pathologists are physicians who, after completing medical school, have extensive training in the examination and diagnosis of tissue samples under the microscope. A general pathologist does not specialize in the study of diseases that affect the skin.

Dermatopathologists, however, have even additional specialty training in recognizing and diagnosing skin diseases, and they must pass a special board examination in skin pathology. As part of your medical care team, dermatopathologists specialize in interpreting the microscopic findings in diseases of the skin. Our extra training and experience help us to make the most specific and accurate diagnosis of your skin condition and communicate that crucial information back to your physician. It is only through this process of thoughtful, careful, and accurate pathologic diagnosis of your skin condition that the most appropriate and effective treatment can be offered to you.

To the highly skilled dermatopathologist, the abstract mixture of colors and patterns seen under the microscope becomes a specific recognizable pattern, like a fingerprint. The pattern may indicate many different things, including:

• Normal tissue growth
• Inflammation, such as dermatitis
• Infection
• Benign tumor
• Malignant tumor

Your physician will explain to you the meaning of the diagnosis as well as appropriate care and treatment.

Your physician has selected BDL because his or her high standards for your healthcare extend to the laboratory that handles and diagnoses your biopsy.

The physicians at BDL are all Board Certified dermatopathologists with extensive training and experience with diseases affecting the skin, and our staff of licensed, certified and experienced lab technicians is specifically trained to handle and process your skin biopsy with the same care, precision, and accuracy you expect from the other components of your medical care. (Click Here to meet our physician staff.)

We understand the anxiety that many patients experience while waiting for their lab results. All of us at BDL strive to get your lab results back to your physician as quickly as possible without sacrificing quality or accuracy. Your pathology test results are typically sent to your doctor 24-48 hours after we receive your biopsy.