Evaluation of Biopsy Results, Consultations, and Follow-Ups in Pediatric Dermatopathology

OBJECTIVE: Since skin diseases may show atypical presentation in children, histopathological evaluation plays a more critical role. The aim of this study is to determine the diagnoses that are finalized after the histopathological evaluation, which departments are frequently consulted, and the methods of follow-up in pediatric dermatology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on pediatric and adolescent patients whose biopsy was taken after evaluation in the pediatric dermatology outpatient clinic for 42 months. RESULTS: Of the pediatric patients whose histopathological evaluation was made, 16.7% were consulted to other departments and 70.8% were followed up in the pediatric dermatology clinic with different methods. According to the histopathological evaluation results, 91.9% of the lesions were benign, 5.6% were premalignant, and only 1.5% were malignant. Three patients (1.5%) with malignant lesions in our pediatric dermatology clinic were followed up with pediatric dermatology and pediatric hematology. In comparison, premalignant lesions of 3 patients were excised in pediatric dermatology surgery; 6 patients were excised in plastic surgery, 1 patient in pediatric surgery, and 1 patient in ophthalmology. CONCLUSION: Pediatric dermatology is a department that should have pediatric dermatopathology and pediatric dermatosurgery units in itself. It is crucial to be in the teamwork for consultations and follow-ups after histopathological examinations.