This book is a description of the diagnostic challenges (neoplastic and non-neoplastic) of surgical neuropathology. Both authors are very experienced in the field and they have, for the most part, succeeded in the inclusion of the most practical information needed for diagnostic consideration. The text is surprisingly easy to read despite a few obvious typographic errors, and any surgical pathologist would enjoy the natural flow of information given. Radiologists and neurosurgeons, however, may find the indispensable morphologic details difficult to follow. The authors begin with a brief introduction to intraoperative consultation, followed by 34 concise chapters of different diseases, each replete with pathology, immunohistochemistry, genetics, clinical history, radiology, differential diagnoses, treatment of choice, and prognostic implications. Most are conveniently summarized in tables. They cover almost all neoplasms in the neuraxis and several important inflammatory diseases. In addition to the popular grading systems of diffuse fibrillary astrocytomas, specific variants of astrocytomas are delineated. The responsiveness to chemotherapy of oligodendrogliomas (well differentiated or anaplastic) and mixed oligoastrocytomas is emphasized. Important mimics of neoplasm, such as multiple sclerosis and radiation necrosis, are discussed separately. Pertinent immunohistochemical findings and caveats (such as immunoreactivity of astrocytic cytoplasm to antibodies against pancytokeratins) are included whenever applicable. All the key features are displayed in photomicrographs, although pathologists and non-pathologists alike may find the black-and-white illustrations less impressivethan colored ones. The references in each and every chapter are relevant and quite up-to-date, but this approach results in a few duplicate appearances and possible waste of space. Compared with three other references in surgical neuropathology of similar size: Burger's Tumors of the Central Nervous System (AFIP); Kleihues' Pathology and Genetics: Tumors of the Nervous System (International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1997); and Moss' Intra-Operative Diagnosis of CNS Tumors (Arnold, 1997), this monograph contains very practical information, is very easy to read and comprehend, and is convenient to use in daily intraoperative consultation and regular sign-out.
Prayson (anatomic pathology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation) and Cohen (pathology, Case Western Reserve U.) present a guide to the more commonly encountered diagnostic problems in surgical neuropathology. They focus on the differential diagnosis of the most common neuropathological entities encountered by general surgical pathologists. Information is provided on how to work with very small amounts of tissues, decide difficult situations where everything looks the same, and cope with inoperative calculations when time is short and sample preparations are less than ideal. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Reviewer: M. Joe Ma, M.D., Ph.D.(Associated Pathologists, Chartered)
Description: This book is a description of the diagnostic challenges (neoplastic and non-neoplastic) of surgical neuropathology.
Purpose: Both authors are very experienced in the field and they have, for the most part, succeeded in the inclusion of the most practical information needed for diagnostic consideration.
Audience: The text is surprisingly easy to read despite a few obvious typographic errors, and any surgical pathologist would enjoy the natural flow of information given. Radiologists and neurosurgeons, however, may find the indispensable morphologic details difficult to follow.
Features: The authors begin with a brief introduction to intraoperative consultation, followed by 34 concise chapters of different diseases, each replete with pathology, immunohistochemistry, genetics, clinical history, radiology, differential diagnoses, treatment of choice, and prognostic implications. Most are conveniently summarized in tables. They cover almost all neoplasms in the neuraxis and several important inflammatory diseases. In addition to the popular grading systems of diffuse fibrillary astrocytomas, specific variants of astrocytomas are delineated. The responsiveness to chemotherapy of oligodendrogliomas (well differentiated or anaplastic) and mixed oligoastrocytomas is emphasized. Important mimics of neoplasm, such as multiple sclerosis and radiation necrosis, are discussed separately. Pertinent immunohistochemical findings and caveats (such as immunoreactivity of astrocytic cytoplasm to antibodies against pancytokeratins) are included whenever applicable. All the key features are displayed in photomicrographs, although pathologists and non-pathologists alike may find the black-and-white illustrations less impressive than colored ones. The references in each and every chapter are relevant and quite up-to-date, but this approach results in a few duplicate appearances and possible waste of space.
Assessment: Compared with three other references in surgical neuropathology of similar size: Burger's Tumors of the Central Nervous System (AFIP); Kleihues' Pathology and Genetics: Tumors of the Nervous System (International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1997); and Moss' Intra-Operative Diagnosis of CNS Tumors (Arnold, 1997), this monograph contains very practical information, is very easy to read and comprehend, and is convenient to use in daily intraoperative consultation and regular sign-out.
" The chapter on tumor-like demyelinating lesions and their distinction from astrocytomas is especially important.... The main value of the book is the quick access to brain tumor illustrations and text. It will appeal to residents and fellows in neuropathology."__Journal of the Neurological Sciences.
" The text is surprisingly easy to read...any surgical pathologist would enjoy the natural flow of information given...they cover almost all neoplasms in the neuraxis and several important inflammatory diseases. In addition to the popular grading systems of diffuse fibrillary astrocytomas, specific variants of astrocytomas are delineated. The responsiveness to chemotherapy of oligodendrogliomas ( well differentiated or anaplastic) and mixed oligoastrocytomas is emphasized. Important mimics of neoplasm, such as multiple sclerosis and radiation necrosis, are discussed separately...The references in each and every chapter are relevant and quite up -to- date...This monograph contains very practical information, is very easy to read and comprehend, and is convenient to use in daily intraoperative consultation and regular sign-out ."-Doody's Health Science Book Review
"This new neuropathology text, written by two experienced and pragmatic neuropathologists, is a welcome addition and fills an important niche in our field. This book is targeted to the practicing general surgical pathologists and pathology residents. The text is concise at 171 pages, and centers on commonly encountered, rather than unusual, surgical neuropathology conditions. It is very well written, in a casual style, and the numerous asides and comments sprinkled throughout the text give the feeling that the authors are speaking directly to the reader...The book is ideally suited to have on hand in the surgical pathology suite adjacent to the operating room...General surgical pathologists will be very pleased with this new book and will be eager to add it to their libraries...Experienced neuropathologists also can learn from this readable work and and the chapters on protoplasmic astrocytomas and dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors are particularly informative...The book is also an ideal resource for pathology, neurosurgery, and neurology residents." -Journal of Neuropathology and Experimental Neurology
"...in spite of all the impressive insights into the molecular pathology of brain tumors, the neuropathologist's diagnosis is mainly based on the H&E features, and, of course, the immunohishemical profile. This is one of the merits of this book. In addition, the authors have a good sense of humor and often make interesting pragmatic reflections. The chapters are succinct but written in an enjoyable style....this is an enjoyable and well-written textbook on the specttrum of surgical neuropathology."-Acta Neurologica Belgica
"...would be of considerable value to more senior trainees to whom most of the diseases are already familiar to some extent, and particularly in assessing one's readiness to sit for qualifying examinations." -Pediatric and Developmental Pathology
