Confronting the Unfamiliar and Unnerving in Dermpath: Practical Tips to Curb Hair Pulling and Nail Biting at the Microscope – USCAP 2026

Release Date: May 26, 2026
Videos+PDFs+PPTS

Course Overview

Master some of the most challenging areas in dermatopathology with this comprehensive USCAP 2026 educational program. Designed for practicing pathologists, dermatopathologists, and pathology trainees, this course provides a practical, case-based approach to diagnosing difficult nail disorders, alopecia and hair pathology, dermatologic emergencies, and melanocytic neoplasms.

Led by renowned experts in dermatopathology, the course emphasizes clinicopathologic correlation, diagnostic reasoning, ancillary testing, and recognition of common pitfalls that can lead to diagnostic errors. Through real-world cases, participants will learn effective strategies for confidently approaching complex dermatopathology specimens encountered in daily practice.

A unique feature of this course is access to digital whole-slide images (WSI) for every presented case, allowing learners to review cases as unknowns before viewing expert interpretations.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Develop a systematic diagnostic approach to alopecia and hair disorder biopsies.
• Recognize neoplastic and inflammatory diseases affecting the nail unit.
• Accurately diagnose urgent dermatologic biopsy specimens through integration of clinical and histopathologic findings.
• Understand classification challenges in melanocytic lesions and the role of ancillary diagnostic testing.
• Identify and avoid common diagnostic pitfalls in dermatopathology practice.

Course Highlights

Diagnostic Approach to Alopecia

Faculty: Eleanor Knopp, MD

• Systematic evaluation of alopecia biopsies
• Histopathologic patterns of hair loss
• Practical diagnostic algorithms

Introduction to Nail Pathology

Faculty: Beth S. Ruben, MD

• Nail unit anatomy and physiology
• Foundation concepts for nail pathology interpretation

Nail Pathology

Faculty: Beth S. Ruben, MD

• Inflammatory nail disorders
• Nail neoplasms
• Diagnostic pearls and pitfalls

Dermatologic Emergencies

Faculty: May P. Chan, MD

• Recognition of urgent dermatologic conditions
• Histopathologic clues for rapid diagnosis
• Clinical-pathologic correlation

Alopecia Pathology

Faculty: Eleanor Knopp, MD

• Scarring and non-scarring alopecias
• Hair follicle pathology
• Challenging diagnostic scenarios

Melanocytic Neoplasms and Medicolegal Cases

Faculty: Steven R. Tahan, MD

• Difficult melanocytic lesions
• Ancillary testing strategies
• Medicolegal considerations in dermatopathology

Bonus Session

FREE Panel Discussion and Q&A

Included With This Course

• Complete video lecture series
• Digital pathology slides (Whole Slide Images)
• Case-based learning modules
• Supporting course documents
• CME certificate eligibility
• On-demand access through April 2029

Target Audience

• Academic Pathologists
• Community Pathologists
• Dermatopathologists
• Pathology Residents
• Pathology Fellows
• Dermatology Residents with pathology interest