Practical Soft Tissue Pathology: A Diagnostic Approach, 2nd Edition

By Jason Hornick MD, PhD

ISBN: 9780323497145

Pub Date: 16 Jan 2018

Reviewed by: Kyle Perry, MD (Henry Ford Health Systems)

Description

This is the second edition of a comprehensive reference on soft tissue tumors organized by general histological patterns. The first edition was published in 2013.

Purpose

The purpose is to present the histological and cytological characteristics of soft tissue tumors, as well as ancillary studies, using a systematic, pattern-based approach. By adopting this framework, the authors intend to provide a book that best accommodates the pathologist’s decision-making process when encountering a soft tissue lesion.

Audience

The audience is practicing pathologists and residents who are involved in or have an interest in musculoskeletal pathology. Oncologists, orthopedic oncologists, and radiation oncologists who are involved in sarcoma diagnosis and treatment also would find this book to be of value.

Features

The first chapter introduces the concepts of soft tissue tumor classification and the general approach of using immunohistochemical stains. The second chapter discusses grading and staging of sarcomas. After these chapters, the book is organized by general histological patterns that soft tissue tumors most commonly display. This includes spindle cell tumors of adults, pediatric spindle cell tumors, myxoid neoplasms, epithelial-like tumors, pleomorphic sarcomas, round cell tumors, tumors with associated inflammatory cells, giant cell rich tumors, adipocytic tumors, vascular neoplasms, cartilaginous and osseous soft tissue tumors, cutaneous soft tissue neoplasms, gastrointestinal-associated soft tissue neoplasms, and lower genital tract soft tissue neoplasms. Each entity is presented by outlining the clinical features, pathological features, immunohistochemistry, differential diagnosis, and prognosis and treatment. The last chapter addresses the use of molecular studies in diagnosing soft tissue tumors.

Assessment

This excellent book could be considered as one of the key references in soft tissue pathology. It is a particularly excellent resource for pathology residents or fellows who are seeking a comprehensive but concise book on soft tissue pathology. The pattern-based approach makes it particularly useful for residents and experienced pathologists when encountering a difficult case at the scope. The book appropriately reflects the numerous advances of both immunohistochemistry and molecular pathology in the subspecialty. The images in the book are relevant and are of excellent quality. Moreover, the online content is well organized and searchable, with excellent image quality.

Overall, this is one of the premier references for soft tissue pathology and would make an excellent addition to a library for pathologists or institutions that frequently encounter musculoskeletal neoplasms.

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