Rosai and Ackerman’s Surgical Pathology, 11th Edition

By John R. Goldblum, MD, FCAP, FASCP, FACG

ISBN: 978-0-323-26339-9

Pub Date: 11/30/2017

Reviewed by: Nicholas Zoumberos, MD (University of Michigan Medical School)

Description

This is the latest edition of the venerable and highly respected general reference on diagnostic surgical pathology and the first edition to be multiauthored, featuring world renowned experts in the field of pathology. The previous edition was published in 2011.

Purpose

The primary purpose is to serve as a desktop reference for practicing pathologists. The book aims to provide information on pathogenesis, diagnostic criteria, molecular/cytogenetic findings, and prognosis on the diseases most likely to be encountered by general surgical pathologists. If the information in this book is not sufficient for a case, exhaustive references are provided for further reading.

Audience

The primary audience is practicing surgical pathologists and pathologists in training. Medical students as well as practitioners in fields in which an understanding of surgical pathology is needed, such as surgery or radiology, may find this book of use as well.

Features

With 45 chapters, this two-volume book devotes a chapter to every major organ system. The biggest change in this edition is the transition from a single author to multiple authors, which the authors state is due to the rapidly increasing complexity of surgical pathology. A special effort was made to retain the unique prose and continuity between chapters that a single-authored book offers. Each chapter on an organ system covers a wide range of pathology, curated to contain the most common and important diagnoses within that system.

The chapters contain a brief review of normal anatomy and histology before delving into pathological findings. Key diagnoses get special attention with discussions focused on histological findings, useful special staining techniques for delineating between differential diagnoses, and cytogenetic and molecular findings. Tables are often provided for diagnostic findings, grading schemata, and updated staging criteria. Each chapter is fully illustrated with pictures highlighting gross and microscopic findings. A table of contents and a highly functional index facilitate rapid navigation through the hefty volumes.

Extensive reference lists are provided if further reading is desired.

Assessment

This edition marks the start of a new era for this long-standing book. Fans of the single-authored book can rest easy, as the authors have done a wonderful job of maintaining the pragmatic approach of earlier editions. Although extensive revisions and updates have been made, they augment rather than replace the original voice of the book. Surgical pathology has grown increasingly subspecialized throughout the years, but this book still provides great value as a general reference. Although not all diseases have been, or could be, covered in a single book, the most common and important diagnoses of each organ system are represented. The information provided on each disease is enough to not only diagnose, but intelligently discuss the topic and pursue further reading. Often the newest research or controversy is briefly examined and summarized. Many new and updated tables provide easy access to key diagnostic and staging criteria. The images are extremely useful and highlight key gross and microscopic features. One minor drawback to the book is that some of the images are slightly awkwardly placed or rotated to conserve space and rarely are not properly white balanced. Overall, however, the pictures provide great visual reference to the text and add a great deal of value to the book.

The authors of this edition accepted a great challenge in covering such a broad topic and assuming authorship from an author as knowledgeable and beloved as Rosai, and they have succeeded. The 11th edition is a wonderful update and deserves a place on the shelf of any practicing pathologist.

Doody’s Review Service Weighted Numerical Score: 97 – 5 Stars!