Contents

#### **Preface XI**


Preface

It is with pleasure that I present this book, Skin Biopsy – Diagnosis and Treatment.

ing the response to therapy. This is the first article to explore such a topic is depth.

histology and treatment for oral lichen planus.

preparation of this book.

Skin Biopsy– Diagnosis and Treatment is a collection of six chapters. The initial chapter on Site Selection by Maria Azul Montani and Gisela Vaglio Giors illuminates the importance of site selection as means of optimizing the utility of skin biopsy in the diagnosis of various dermato‐ logical diseases and in many instances it is a therapeutic intervention and is useful in monitor‐

The next five chapters encompass the application and role of skin biopsy to the overall diag‐ nosis of certain conditions. An accurate diagnosis allows for an up to date discussion on the treatment of these complex conditions as the pathogenesis and the histologic findings are evolving and the therapeutic options are concomitantly emerging. Khitam Al-refu describes in detail the technique of scalp biopsy and its role in the diagnosis of non-scarring and scar‐ ring alopecia. Olga Bohn et al. reveal the clinical manifestations, histopathology, immuno‐ profile, electron microscopic and molecular features of Langerhans cell neoplasms of the skin, a field, which is rapidly evolving with the advances in technological applications used in the skin tumors. I review and update the reader on the epidemiology, nosology, diagnos‐ tic criteria, pathogenesis, and treatment of Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal nec‐ rolysis, Drug Reaction Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms/Drug Induced Hypersensitivity Syndrome, and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis that comprise severe cutaneous adverse reactions. With Jamma Li, I provide the latest review on the pathogenesis, histology, and treatment options for pemphigus vulgaris and foliaceus. Mark Schifter writes the final chapter by lending his expertise to the classification, pathogenesis,

I am grateful to the other authors for their excellent contributions to this book. I am incredi‐ bly indebted to the InTech team for all their efforts in making this publication possible and widely accessible to the interested public. In particular, I would like to thank Ana Pantar from InTech for her tireless dedication, organisation, patience and faultless assistance in the

**Suran L. Fernando**

Sydney University Sydney, Australia

Royal North Shore Hospital and Sydney Medical School,
