Edited by Ricardo V. Lloyd, 421 pp, with illus, Totowa, NJ, Humana Press, 2004.
This textbook contains the latest information on the pathology of endocrine glands, with special emphasis on the molecular biology of their neoplasms, as well as their hyperfunctional and hypofunctional states. Fifty-four authors contributed to the book; the list of authors includes well-known investigators whose experience is reflected in the corresponding chapters. It is an international ensemble from Europe, North and South America, and Asia.
The first chapter describes methods in cellular and molecular pathology, as well as immunohistochemistry. A brief introduction to molecular biology, prior to description of the methods, is very helpful. This introduction is followed by easy-to-follow explanations of in situ hybridization, Southern and Northern blotting, tissue microdissection, RNA and DNA extraction from microdissections by polymerase chain reaction, DNA sequencing, mutation analysis, comparative genomic hybridization, and array technology. The list of references in this chapter is extensive and up-to-date, as are all the references in this book.
The chapters dedicated to individual glands follow a classic order: a brief historical overview is followed by a description of the physiology and anatomy, pathologic states (including hypofunction and hyperfunction), and benign and malignant neoplasms. Special emphasis is placed on the application of diagnostic tests, including molecular biology techniques.
The description of the pathology of endocrine glands starts with the hypothalamus and neurohypophysis and continues with adenohypophysis, pituitary, pineal gland, parathyroid, thyroid, adrenal cortex and medulla-paraganglia, endocrine ovary, endocrine testis, gastrointestinal system, and pancreas.
Neuroendocrine differentiation patterns of neoplasia involving lung, breast, skin, and urogenital tract are addressed in a very comprehensive chapter; similar chapters are dedicated to multiple endocrine neoplasia and polyglandular autoimmune syndromes. The final 3 chapters describe the surgical management, as well as the medical and radiation treatment, of endocrine tumors.
The book is well written and illustrated, with abundant black-and-white pictures as well as 31 color plates. The book has 421 pages, which is relatively short considering the extensive literature on the subject, yet it contains the latest information. Practicing pathologists, clinical endocrinologists, and researchers interested in the field will find it a valuable addition to their reference library.