Tumors of the Prostate Gland, Seminal Vesicles, Male Urethra, and Penis

Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Nov 2001 by Wojcik, Eva M

By Robert H. Young, John R. Srigley, Mahul B. Amin, Thomas M. Ulbright, and Antonio L. Cubilla (Atlas of Tumor Pathology, 3rd series, fascicle 28), 512 pp, with illus, Washington, DC, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, 2000.

The third series of the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology's fascicles on tumors of the male genital tract continues the great tradition of excellence and practicality. Because of the enormous expansion of knowledge and interest in this field, in the current third series the male genital system has been divided into 2 fascicles. This book covers tumors of the prostate gland, seminal vesicles, male urethra, and penis, but the greatest emphasis is placed on the prostate. After all, prostate carcinoma is currently the most common neoplasm in humans (excluding skin cancers), and therefore deserves extensive coverage. In addition, because of well-established screening programs, prostate needle biopsies have become one of the most common specimens seen by practicing pathologists. Therefore, without a doubt, this fascicle will find a way into the offices of surgical pathologists. Although this is a multiauthored edition, the text has been evenly written and is free of inconsistencies. It is obvious to the reader that the book has been written by experts in the field, practicing genitourinary pathologists facing diagnostic challenges daily.

All 10 chapters are superbly written and lavishly illustrated, and each offers numerous images of excellent quality. As in most of the other fascicles, these abundant illustrations constitute the major strength of the book. In this edition, almost all of images are reproduced in color. The authors also have to be applauded for including numerous color gross photographs. Most of the electron microscopy images present in the second edition have been removed and replaced, when appropriate, with immunohistochemical and molecular information. Although, in general, the book concentrates on a traditional histopathologic approach in diagnosis, the newer techniques are emphasized where appropriate. The text is presented in the way it should be in an atlas, that is, it is concise yet adequate and practical. Practicality is the primary purpose of each fascicle, and this goal has been definitively accomplished in this book. Each chapter has been well referenced and, to enhance clarity and readability, references are organized by topic at the end of each chapter. Tables are sparse but informative, for example, an excellent checklist of features relevant to the diagnosis of prostate cancer. Chapters are organized in a familiar format used in previous editions, including general and clinical features, gross and microscopic findings, differential diagnosis, and prognosis. Chapters on prostate, as would be expected, have been markedly enhanced. Particularly commendable is seamless integration of clinical and histopathologic information. Examples of all Gleason grades have been extensively illustrated, showing practically all possible variants for each grade. In addition, numerous photographs of prostatic adenocarcinoma in needle biopsies are of great value and definitively will be appreciated by practicing pathologists. Practitioners also will welcome the extensive and comprehensive discussion (with numerous illustrations) of prostate carcinoma mimickers. A table on small acinar patterns in the prostate is another example of an excellent and concise way of conveying a vast amount of information. Of course, like in other fascicles, unusual tumors are also well illustrated. You almost can be sure that if you don't find a particular tumor in this fascicle, it doesn't exist or you've got a case that is yet to be described. The remaining chapters are equally well illustrated and filled with important information.

In summary, this fascicle most remarkably combines practicality and in-depth knowledge. This superbly illustrated, well-written book successfully integrates clinical and pathologic information and will undoubtedly facilitate accurate diagnosis and consistent terminology. In short, this is one of the most valuable contributions in the field and all of us, both novices and seasoned pathologists, will benefit from it. I can summarize this book in one word-Excellent.

EVA M. WOJCIK, MD

Maywood, Ill