About this video
A useful biopsy begins well before the specimen reaches the microscope. In this practical overview, John R. Griffin, MD, MA, FAAD, explains how close clinicopathologic correlation can sharpen diagnostic accuracy, from providing a focused history and clinical photographs to selecting the right lesion, site, and biopsy technique. Using common inflammatory reaction patterns and challenging examples such as mycosis fungoides, vesiculobullous disease, vasculopathy, and panniculitis, he shows why histology often narrows the possibilities rather than delivering an answer in isolation. The central message is straightforward: better communication between clinician and dermatopathologist leads to a more meaningful biopsy report and a clearer path forward for the patient.