Dermatopathologists diagnose conditions of the skin and associated structures (subcutaneous tissue, hair and nails). Specimens for diagnosis are referred by dermatologists (physicians with expertise in skin disease), plastic and reconstructive surgeons, and general practitioners.

Pathologists in TissuPath's Dermatopathology Division have had extensive experience with skin biopsies, and work closely with plastic and reconstructive surgeons and dermatologists to ensure rapid and accurate diagnosis.

Skin cancers are very frequent in Australians because of our sunny environment (made worse by the Antarctic ozone hole) and love affair with the sun, beaches and the ocean. Squamous and basal cell cancers are very common, and early diagnosis is important as they are often curable if recognized early. 

Actinic keratoses are a pre-cancerous skin lesion which can be subtle and easily missed; a biopsy with review by TissuPath dermatopathologists will resolve the question.

Malignant melanoma is relatively rare, but early diagnosis and correct classification of the tumour's "aggressiveness", is critical to proper therapy as this type of skin cancer can be very dangerous.

If radical surgery (generally by a plastic or reconstructive surgeon) is required for removal of an extensive skin cancer, TissuPath pathologists will work closely with the surgeon during the operation, testing using frozen sections to ensure that all of the tumour has been removed.