The following are some specific tests we have available:
- Aqueous humor, vitreous, cornea and conjunctiva
- Infectious (cultures, molecular multiplex PCR, cytology, electron microscopy)
- Neoplastic (cytology, flow cytometry, molecular)
- Choroidal and Retinal Biopsies
- Infectious (cultures, molecular multiplex PCR, cytology)
- Neoplastic (cytology, histopathology, flow cytometry, molecular)
- Electron microscopy for dystrophies and metabolic diseases
- Fine needle aspiration biopsies (tumors) and on-site adequacy evaluation (at Houston Methodist operating rooms)
- Enucleation, Evisceration, and Exenteration Specimens
- Fresh tumor retrieval for molecular testing (Houston area)
- Histopathologic diagnosis
- Molecular biomarker panels for tumors
- Conjunctiva and skin biopsies
- Immunofluorescence Studies (to exclude bullous diseases such as ocular cicatricial pemphigoid)
- Lymphoma diagnostic and prognostic testing (flow cytometry, molecular)
- Orbit, skin, eyelid, and conjunctival specimens
- Intraoperative evaluation for margins and adequacy (frozen sections at Houston Methodist operating rooms)
- Temporal artery biopsies
- Pediatric ophthalmic pathology
- Ophthalmic microbial cultures
- Outside consultation for second opinion
Instructions for Submitting Specimens (PDF) ➝
HMDL Ophthalmic Cytology & Pathology Service Order Form (PDF) ➝
Dermatopathology
The Dermatopathology Section at Houston Methodist Hospital provides comprehensive consultative services relating to the disorders of the skin, hair, and nails. We provide expert diagnoses by integrating a full range of immunological and molecular tests in our well-equipped laboratory.
We offer a comprehensive array of dermatopathology diagnostic services performed in-house:
- routine histology
- immunohistochemistry
- immunofluorescence
- molecular T- and B-cell clonality assays
- mutational testing of melanocytic neoplasms
Dermatologic samples from patients outside of the Houston Methodist Hospital System may be sent directly to us for processing and interpretation. We also provide consultation services on biopsies and resection specimens obtained elsewhere.
Our expertise includes, but is not limited to, diagnosis of inflammatory and neoplastic skin diseases and diagnosis of difficult melanocytic lesions and cutaneous lymphoid tumors. Consults typically have a rapid 24-48 hour turnaround time (48 hours if additional stains are required).
In addition to providing clinical services, our pathologists participate in clinical and translational funded research. These efforts have culminated in the publication of several peer-reviewed papers, book chapters, and presentations at national and international meetings. Our faculty members have also taught courses and lectured at regional and national forums on topics pertaining to dermatopathology.
Contact Information
For dermatopathology-related surgical pathology reports:
Physicians and physician offices: please call Ms. Rosie Benitez
HMH Anatomic Pathology Physician and Patient Services
Office: 713.441.1447
Ms. Benitez can transfer you to the case pathologist.
For Questions About Sending Consultations From Outside the Houston Methodist System, Please Call
Ms. Rachel Mata
AP Administrative Support
Office: 713.441.6415
Our Dermatopathology Section Faculty
Mary R. Schwartz, MD
Office: 713.441.6482
mschwartz@houstonmethodist.org
Patricia Chevez-Barrios, MD
Office: 713.441.6484
pchevez-barrios@houstonmethodist.org
Additional Faculty with Expertise & Participation in Assessment of Cutaneous Hematolymphoid Proliferations
April Ewton, MD
Office: 713.441.6471
aewton@houstonmethodist.org
Arthur Zieske, MD
Office: 713.441.4458
awzieske@houstonmethodist.org