NYU Dermatopathology

Robert Kowalcyk, Dermatopathology
Technical Coordinator

The Dermatopathology Section of the Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology is one of the largest and the most well known in academic dermatology in the world. The Section provides a wide range of diagnostic services in the interpretation of skin specimens. We are committed to providing outstanding patient care, educating future academic and community based dermatopathologists, dermatologists pathologists, residents, and medical students. We also participate in advancing the understanding of skin disease by performing clinical and translational research. The senior faculty members are nationally and internationally recognized experts in the field, and hold executive positions in academic societies.

Dermatopathology is a subspecialty of pathology concentrating on the diagnosis and evaluation of biopsy specimens obtained from the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes. Dermatopathologists work closely with dermatologists and other providers that work with the skin in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of human diseases. When the diagnosis of a skin disorder is in question or confirmation of a diagnosis is necessary to institute therapy, a biopsy may be performed to gather more specific information. Once a biopsy is performed, the specimen or lesion is sent to our laboratory for processing.

Material obtained from the patient is processed through fixation, sectioning/slicing, and ultimately staining. These prepared slides are then presented to the dermatopathologist for interpretation. Studying patterns of inflammation, types of cells present in the skin specimen, and organization of key elements in the skin are all clues to narrowing the scope of possibilities in arriving at a diagnosis or pathologic description.

From a technical perspective, our Dermatopathology Laboratory produces high quality hematoxylin and eosin stained slides from formalin-fixed paraffin-processed skin specimens (the typical process and stain used in most skin biopsies). When necessary, the dermatopathologist can utilize his/her knowledge of cellular biology and immunology in order to effect a more specific diagnosis in unusual or difficult to diagnose cases. This is accomplished through the use a variety of “special stains” and/or monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies in immunohistochemical studies. These special stains take advantage of known differences between types of cells that are present in the skin specimen.

We diagnose most specimens within 24 hours. All reports are sent by courier, FedEx or mail. Reports are faxed or electronically submitted upon request. All malignant melanomas, unexpected high grade malignancies, and serious inflammatory or infectious diseases are first reported by telephone.

In addition, our Section also provides expert diagnostic interpretation of difficult neoplastic and inflammatory skin diseases. Specimens for consultation may be submitted to our laboratory with pertinent clinical information. Sometimes additional histochemical and/or immunohistochemical techniques are deemed necessary. In such cases, we will contact you for further material and information.

If you are interested in utilizing our services, we will supply you with free formalin-filled specimen containers. Daily courier service is available within the New York City area. Please call our office at (212) 263-7250 to request pick-up services. For clients outside of our courier area, we provide specimen transport by FedEx.

Download a copy of our brochure.