Skin Biopsy

January 2016 in “ Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology ”

Dirk M. Elston, Erik J. Stratman, Stanley J. Miller

TLDR Correct skin biopsy techniques are crucial to avoid misdiagnosis of skin diseases.

In the 2016 article, the authors provided comprehensive guidelines for skin biopsy procedures to ensure accurate diagnosis of various skin diseases. They stressed the importance of correct site selection and biopsy technique, noting that errors can lead to misdiagnosis. For autoimmune bullous diseases, direct immunofluorescence (DIF) was found to be more sensitive than other tests, with a sensitivity of 90.8% for DIF compared to 76% for indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) and 59-73% for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The article recommended specific biopsy techniques and handling for different conditions, such as using Michel or Zeus media for DIF specimens, and provided detailed advice for conditions like vasculitis, panniculitis, connective tissue diseases, and various neoplasms. For melanoma, complete excisional biopsy was recommended for accurate diagnosis and staging, while for other conditions like lentigo maligna and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, specific types of biopsies were suggested to maximize diagnostic yield. The document underscored the critical role of proper biopsy technique and specimen handling in avoiding diagnostic errors.

View this study on jaad.org →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Cited in this study

15 / 15 results

research Elastin Staining Patterns in Primary Cicatricial Alopecia

30 citations , November 2013 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Elastin staining helps assess late-stage scarring alopecia but is not definitive, and clinical diagnosis is still crucial.

research Elastic Staining Versus Fluorescent and Polarized Microscopy in the Diagnosis of Alopecia

18 citations , August 2013 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

EVG staining is the most reliable method for diagnosing alopecia.

research The Current State of Play in the Histopathologic Assessment of Alopecia: Two for One or One for Two?

12 citations , February 2013 in “Journal of Cutaneous Pathology”

The document concludes that choosing the right biopsy site is crucial for accurate alopecia diagnosis, and combining methods can improve results.

research Trichoscopy in Alopecias: Diagnosis Simplified

96 citations , January 2013 in “International Journal of Trichology”

Trichoscopy is a useful, non-invasive way to diagnose different types of hair loss.

research The Utility of Elastic Verhoeff-Van Gieson Staining in Dermatopathology

38 citations , December 2012 in “Journal of Cutaneous Pathology”

EVG staining is a valuable, simple, and cost-effective method for diagnosing various skin conditions in dermatopathology.

research Polarized Microscopy as a Helpful Tool to Distinguish Chronic Nonscarring Alopecia From Scarring Alopecia

11 citations , January 2012 in “Archives of Dermatology”

Polarized microscopy is a quick and free method to correctly identify types of hair loss.

research Vertical vs. Transverse Sections of Scalp Biopsy Specimens: A Pilot Study on the Comparison of the Diagnostic Value of Two Techniques in Alopecia

19 citations , December 2011 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology”

Transverse scalp sections are better for diagnosing non-scarring hair loss, while vertical sections are better for a specific scarring hair loss called lichen planopilaris.

research The HoVert Technique: A Novel Method for the Sectioning of Alopecia Biopsies

44 citations , January 2011 in “Journal of Cutaneous Pathology”

The HoVert technique is a simple, cost-effective new method that improves alopecia diagnosis by allowing detailed analysis from a single biopsy.

research A Study of Serial Vertical Sectioning of Scalp Biopsies to Increase the Histological Diagnostic Yield in Alopecias

9 citations , May 2010 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

Cutting scalp biopsies in consecutive slices improves diagnosis of hair loss conditions.

research A Comparison of Vertical Versus Transverse Sections in the Evaluation of Alopecia Biopsy Specimens

56 citations , August 2005 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Using both vertical and transverse sections gives a better diagnosis of alopecia than using one method alone.

research Transverse Sections for Diagnosis of Alopecia?

24 citations , August 2005 in “The American Journal of Dermatopathology”

Vertical sections are better than horizontal sections for diagnosing alopecia.

research Vertical vs. Transverse Sections in Alopecia Biopsy Diagnosis

33 citations , August 2005 in “The American Journal of Dermatopathology”

Both vertical and transverse sections are useful for diagnosing alopecia, but using both methods together is best.

research The Reliability of Horizontally Sectioned Scalp Biopsies in the Diagnosis of Chronic Diffuse Telogen Hair Loss in Women

137 citations , August 2004 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Horizontally sectioned scalp biopsies are more reliable for diagnosing hair loss in women when three samples are taken instead of one.

research Elastic Tissue in Scars and Alopecia

80 citations , March 2000 in “Journal of cutaneous pathology”

The VVG stain effectively differentiates scar tissue from normal skin and helps classify types of permanent alopecia.

research Vertical and transverse sections of alopecia biopsy specimens: Combining the two to maximize diagnostic yield

71 citations , March 1995 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Using both vertical and transverse sections for alopecia biopsies improves diagnosis without extra cost.

1 / 1 results

research Common Dermatologic Conditions

14 citations , May 2014 in “Medical Clinics of North America”

The document concludes that quick referral and appropriate treatments are crucial for managing common skin conditions and preventing permanent damage.