The practice of dermatopathology has evolved from viewing predominantly haematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained sections through the microscope to include an array of more specialized tests. These are used as stand-alone tests or in addition to the H&E. Diagnostic Dermatopathology: A Guide to Ancillary Tests Beyond the H&E is a practical guide to the most important of these new diagnostic techniques. Aside from a brief review of H&E in the Introduction, the focus of the book is on the wide range of more recent ancillary tests commonly used by clinicians, including sections on special stains, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, electron microscopy and molecular testing. Each section describes why each of these tests is performed, how to use them and how to interpret the results they provide. Abundantly illustrated with colour photographs, diagrams and algorithms Diagnostic Dermatopathology: A Guide to Ancillary Tests Beyond the H&E is packed with practical guidance on commonly-faced diagnostic dilemmas, how the tests described can be used to resolve them and how to avoid pitfalls in the diagnostic process. The book is an essential resource for trainee and practicing dermatopathologists, dermatologists and pathologists seeking an accessible guide to the diagnostic methods which are increasingly important in dermatopathology and which go beyond the H&E.   Key features Covers the full range of diagnostic tests in dermatopathology, aside from H&E, with a focus on practical clinical information such as how to run the test, when to use it and how to interpret the results Includes special stains, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, electron microscopy, molecular testing and point of care tests including potassium hydroxide preparations, mineral oil preparations, and Tzanck smears Single author with hand-picked specialist contributors provide a consistent approach to the subject, replete with diagnostic tips and clinical advice based on extensive personal experience

This textbook presents the current (and near-future) state of affairs of molecular testing as it pertains to the dermatology patient. It focuses on practical applications of molecular diagnostics over a cross-section of dermatologic disease, including melanoma, lymphoma, soft tissue tumors, genodermatoses, and infectious disease. It includes practical advice to those ordering molecular tests as well as to those considering performing such tests, providing a potential template for a comprehensive dermatologic molecular diagnostics test menu. Pitfalls of interpretation and algorithmic approaches to testing are included. The textbook is directed towards all readers - clinicians, pathologists, laboratorians, and other inquisitive minds - independent of their level of molecular expertise, to provoke thought or perhaps even change practice. The context for the book is the rapid evolution of the field of molecular diagnostics, which is becoming more pervasive in all disciplines of medicine, including dermatology. This is indeed an exciting time in dermatology. Molecular testing is now incorporated into all aspects of patient management, including diagnostics (identifying and classifying disease), prognostics (predicting disease course), and theranostics (predicting response to therapy). For example, molecular tests are now used to detect germline mutations that result in genodermatoses, somatic genetic events that characterize tumors such as melanoma and sarcomas, and genetic material of otherwise undetectable infectious organisms. For melanoma and lymphoma, testing can potentially predict tumor behavior and modify patient staging. Regarding theranostics, molecular tests that identify specific mutations in proto- oncogenes, such as BRAF and others, are now used to predict which patients will respond to designer targeted therapies. Molecular theranostics has revolutionized the entire treatment paradigm for patients with advanced melanoma, repla