The clinical context: a tool for fine-tuning objective histologic diagnosis of cutaneous pigmented lesions.

Abstract

Dermatopathology is a science founded in clinicopathologic correlation. This essay attempts to point out some of the clinical features that can be matched with pathologic counterparts to enable more accurate diagnosis of both benign and malignant pigmented lesions of the skin. No shred of information, be it descriptive or demographic, should be overlooked in a Holmesian quest for the perfect diagnosis.