Molecular Diagnostics in Dermatology and Dermatopathology

Molecular Diagnostics in Dermatology and Dermatopathology presents the basics of molecular biology and molecular diagnostic methods most commonly used in the clinical laboratory, with an emphasis on the concepts and testing most relevant to dermatological diseases. Topics include the integration of newer diagnostic and prognostic techniques with ‘traditional’ histologic approaches, and discussions of regulatory, ethical, legal, economic issues and ‘newer’ technologies. This important diagnostic tool outlines the clinically relevant uses (i.e.; diagnostic, staging and/or prognostic) applications of these techniques in the field of dermatology. Molecular studies that investigate the pathogenesis of skin diseases will be excluded, unless they also have a direct diagnostic utility. The book will be of interest to practicing pathologists, dermatology and pathology residents, dermatologists, and dermatopathologists.


1. Introduction to Molecular Diagnostic Testing in Dermatology and Dermatopathology

2. Principles of Molecular Biology

3. Technologies in the Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory

4. Cytogenetics of Primary Skin Tumors

5. Melanocytic Neoplasms I: Molecular Diagnosis

6. Melanocytic Neoplasms II: Molecular Staging

7. Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers and Hereditary Cancer Syndromes

8. Cutaneous Sarcomas and Soft Tissue Proliferations

9. Molecular Determination of Tissue Margins, Clonal Origin and Histogenesis of Skin Cancers

10. Mycosis Fungoides and Related Lesions

11. Cutaneous non-MF T-cell and NK-cell Lymphoproliferative Disorders

12. Cutaneous B-cell Lymphomas

13. Leukemia Cutis

14. Inflammatory Disorders of the Skin

15. Infectious Diseases of the Skin I: Dermatophytosis / Onychomycosis

16. Infectious Diseases of the Skin II: Non-Dermatophytic Infections

17. Wound Healing Disorders: Chronic Wounds and Keloids

18. Alopecias

19. Genodermatoses - Inherited Diseases of the Skin

20. Molecular Aspects of Skin Aging

21. Pharmacogenetics and Pharmacogenomics I: Linking Diagnostic Classification to Therapeutic Decisions

22. Pharmacogenetics and Pharmacogenomics II: Genetic Determinants of Drug Responses and Adverse Drug Reactions

23. Regulatory, Legal, Coding, Billing, Reimbursement, and Ethical Considerations for Molecular Diagnostic Testing in Dermatology and Dermatopathology