Welcome and introduction to Dermatopathology Correlation cases

The Introduction to Dermatopathology Correlation Cases course provides healthcare professionals with a systematic approach to correlating dermoscopic and histopathological findings for skin lesions. This two-unit program emphasises evidence-based practices and real-world applications to enhance diagnostic precision.

Unit 1: Introduction to Dermatopathology
This unit lays the groundwork for understanding dermatopathology by comparing dermatoscopic and histological methodologies. Participants will gain insights into the principles and processes involved in analysing skin samples.
Key topics include:
- Comparison of dermoscopy and histology, including magnification techniques and tissue processing.
- Systematic approaches to interpreting normal and abnormal skin architecture and cytology.
- Histological features of common and malignant skin lesions, such as basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and melanocytic nevi.
- The role of specialized stains, such as hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and immunoperoxidase markers, in diagnosis.
Participants will explore how clinical findings align with histological observations, enhancing their ability to identify normal versus pathological changes.

Unit 2: Correlation Cases and Practical Applications
Building on the foundational knowledge, this unit focuses on real-world case studies to illustrate the application of dermatoscopic and histological correlations.
Key topics include:
- Analysis of benign and malignant lesion categories, including melanocytic, keratinocytic, vascular, and fibrous lesions.
- Case-based exploration of diagnostic challenges and solutions, emphasising methods such as "Chaos and Clues" and "Prediction without Pigment."
- Strategies for interpreting histological slides, focusing on features such as cellular architecture, pigmentation patterns, and mitotic activity.
- Decision-making in clinical settings: biopsy techniques, margins, and follow-up care.
This unit incorporates interactive discussions and guided analyses to strengthen participants' diagnostic skills.

By the end of the course, participants will have developed a deeper understanding of the relationship between clinical and histopathological findings, empowering them to make more informed decisions in the diagnosis and management of dermatological conditions.