Introduction To Biopsy Interpretation And Surgical Pathology

Introduction to Biopsy Interpretation and Surgical Pathology

Preface to the Second Edition Since publication of the first edition, continuing developments in histopathology have motivated the inclusion of four new chapters: cytology, immunohistology, quality control and assessment, and the autopsy. The increasing use of cytology in clinical practice and advances in techniques and diagnostic interpretation justify the devotion of more space than formerly to this important topic. Immunohistology now merits a separate chapter because it has a status beyond that of being just another "special stain" and there are certain aspects of technique and interpretation that are peculiar to it. Quality control and assessment in histopathology are very topical and important now that greater attention is being paid to cost effectiveness and the auditing of many aspects of clinical practice. The autopsy is an integral part of the professional life of a histopathologist and, though it lacks the immediate clinical impact of the biopsy diagnosis, it nevertheless constitutes an important activity in all hospitals; without detailing dissection techniques I have provided some information and guidance about the autopsy which I believe will be useful to trainees and of interest to others. The remainder of the book has been thoroughly revised and updated, and illustrations and tables added where experience has shown that the text is insufficient. Sheffield, October 1986 J. C. E. Underwood Preface to the First Edition This book is primarily addressed to the needs of the trainee histopathologist.

Introduction to Biopsy Interpretation and Surgical Pathology

This book is primarily addressed to the needs of the trainee histopathologist. It is intended to bridge that gap between the descriptive histopathology taught as part of the undergraduate medical curriculum and the interpretative skills required of the diagnostician. My object is to convey the basic general principles, in theory and practice. Books are, however, only adjuncts to practical experience and not substitutes for it. Indeed, to obtain the maximum benefit from this book it is essential that the reader is actively involved in the work of a diagnostic laboratory. Only in this way can the trainee become thoroughly conversant with the rudiments of biopsy interpretation. To retain detailed knowledge of the histological appearances of the plethora of diseases and their permutations to which humans are subject is beyond the mental resources of most individuals. For this reason, histopathologists probably refer to books more often than do most other specialists. This book aims to provide a core of knowledge sufficient to master the fundamental aspects, while still encouraging the intelligent use of all those indispensable atlases, monographs, and fascicles for which there is no substitute.

Introduction to Biopsy Interpretation and Surgical Pathology