Abstract
This most interesting book for students, scientists and medical professionals, including pathologists, is must reading if you spend time or plan to spend time in tumor diagnostics or cancer research. It was written by Jules J. Berman, a medical pathologist and pathology informatics specialist who holds a PhD in pathology. The book appears to be a modern update of such classics on cancer concepts as those written by Leslie Foulds, R. A. Willis, and R.P. Bolande. The book includes three parts: I. Speciation, II. Classification, and III. Cancer Research and the End of Neoplasms (due to advances in prevention, diagnosis and treatment). The contents and thought processes can be a valuable exploration for professionals working in any aspect of tumor diagnostics, research, or pathology. It covers over 240 subjects (in sections) important in our understanding of neoplasia in all organisms.
Part I, Speciation, reviews the properties shared by all cancers, the causes of cancers, and why and how tumor phenotypes occur. The properties of cancer and the precursors of cancer are reviewed. Tables are used as lists for asking questions and providing information in outline form. Simple questions are reviewed as a way of providing basic definitions and conveying a way to understand key biological processes. The sections on the different questions and subjects are brief and to the point. Discussions focus on important points and definitions.
Part II, Classification, reviews the concepts of tumor classification, by morphology, cause, topography, age, function and pathways, molecular genetics, and developmental lineage. Cancer Ontologies, Chapter 22 in Part II, discusses ontologies and how they differ from tumor classifications as most pathologist know them. Ontologies are organized structures that can be better used for computer systems and tumors. The issues involved are discussed by the author.
Part III, Cancer Research and the End of Neoplasms, is especially thought provoking. For those of us that have spent much of our professional life working in cancer research, should we think of a world free of human cancer? The author goes through the steps explaining why we cure few cancers, how to target precancers, other methods of prevention, and old and new methods of treatment with a goal of prevention.
The glossary (over 60 pages) is especially useful, as are the 341 references. The index is well done and includes many terms and subjects.
The only criticism I have for the book is its selective use of figures; either charts, drawings or histopathology. The drawings are usually very good but in black and white. Histopathology figures do show what is described but not optimally (as in color or with the use of glossy paper). This defect is really not a reason not to buy or use this book. Scientists can refer to pathology books used for diagnostics.
I would highly recommend Neoplasms. Principles of Development and Diversity to students of all types, scientists and medical professionals, including pathologists, who are interested in neoplasms, especially with cancer as the endpoint.