Division of Dermatopathology

Welcome to the division of Dermatopathology!  Dr. Joan Guitart (Division Head) and Dr. Pedram Gerami have special expertise in cutaneous lymphomas, melanocytic lesions, all inflammatory disorders, and pediatric dermatopathology including vascular and melanocytic lesions in children.   The Dermatopathology Laboratory performs DIF immunomapping for all components of the basement membrane for the study of epidermolysis bullosa.

Currently, the Dermatopathology Laboratory handles approximately 30,000 skin biopsies per year. The cases come from Northwestern University as well as numerous referring physicians from the Chicago metropolitan area. They also review hundreds of cases referred in consultations from across the nation.  Besides routine H&E staining, the laboratory processes numerous special stains including a brood panel of immunohistochemistry techniques and FISH.

Drs. Guitart and Gerami offer a two year Dermatopathology Fellowship Program.  Both Drs. Guitart and Gerami are also actively involved in the training of dermatology and pathology residents, as well as teaching medical students.  Weekly dermatopathology conferences are also offered.  

The Dermatopathology Laboratory's mission is to offer you the best quality services in an efficient manner.  The  turn-around time is consistently 2 to 3 days, and all special stains and immunohistochemistry are performed in-house allowing rapid results.  Results are made available immediately by fax and online via a secure website accessible from any Internet connection using a password.  We also have access to a broad range of surgical pathologists for any necessary consultation at no additional cost.

The services they provide include:

Rapid processing and evaluation of hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained sections

Molecular studies including TCR and IGH gene rearrangements

Extensive panel of immunohistochemical antibodies and special stains performed in-house

Direct and indirect immunofluorescent studies for immunobullous or connective tissue disease

Molecular analysis of various skin tumors

For further information regarding consultations, pricing and procedures for biopsy processing, and student or resident rotation, please contact Dr. Guitart at j-guitart@northwestern.edu  or Ms. Janice Hilton at 312-695-1413.

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