Summary:
This primer, designed for non-specialists in dermatopathology and residents, is a user friendly guide to interpreting skin biopsies. Abnormalities are grouped according to location in the skin and morphologic characteristics. Each abnormality is discussed in an easy to follow three column format.
The first column lists the diseases entities, the second lists histologic criteria for diagnosis (with key features in boldface) and the third presents differential diagnosis, helpful hints and clinical information. Adjacent to the text are representative photomicrographs that are accompanied where neccesary by drawings to clarify cellular structures. This edition features over 400 clear and sharp photomicrographs, goupings of abnormalities according to location and morphologic characteristics. A CD-ROM is included with the book containing over 2000 full colour photomicrographs with more than 300 multiple-choice questions and answers for review and self-assessment.

Contents

I. Introduction
1. Normal Histology of the Skin
2. Glossary
3. Histochemistry

II. Epidermis
4. Hyperkeratosis with or without Alteration of the Granular Layer
5. Psoriasiform Hyperplasia
6. Vesicles, Pustules, and Bullae
7. Neoplastic Patterns of the Epidermis
8. Atrophic Processes of the Epidermis
9. Disorders of the Melanocyte

III. Basement Membrane Zone, Papillary Dermis, and Superficial Vascular
Plexus
10. Vacuolization of the Basement Membrane Zone
11. Subepidermal Clefting, Blister, or Pustule Formation
12. Bandlike Infiltrate at the Dermoepidermal Junction
13. Predominantly Perivascular Infiltrate of the Upper Dermis
14. Deposition in and Alteration of the Papillary Dermis
15. Hyperplasia of the Papillary Dermis

IV. Reticular Dermis
16. Predominantly Perivascular Infiltrate of the Reticular Dermis
17. Granulomas and Granulomatous Inflammation
18. Diffuse Infiltrate
19. Nodular Infiltrate
20. Disorders of Collagen and Elastic Tissue
21. Diseases Recognized Histologically by Deposition of Material in the
Dermis
22. Hyperplasia and Neoplasms
23. Cysts in the Dermis

V. Appendages
24. Disorders of the Pilosebaceous Unit
25. Disorders of the Sweat Gland

VI. Panniculus
26. Diseases of the Subcutis