Abstract
This is the sixth volume in a 12-volume series on the histologic classification of tumors of domestic animals. This volume on tumors of the respiratory system is published by the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP) in cooperation with the American Registry of Pathology and the World Health Organization. It conforms to the brief outline style of the preceding five volumes focused on bone, skin and soft tissues, genital system, and nervous system and volume 7 on mammary neoplasia. The series of monographs represents the first major revision since a two-volume series of similar title was published in 1974 and 1976 by the World Health Organization.
The international group of pathologists who compiled and reviewed respiratory tumors for this volume represent a formidable breadth and depth of knowledge on respiratory neoplasia in animals. The volume is based on the authors' experiences in academic, diagnostic laboratory, consulting, and research foundation pathology services. The 71-page monograph includes an outline classification of neoplasia affecting the nasal and paranasal regions, larynx, trachea, and lung. Each section is divided into epithelial neoplasms, mesenchymal neoplasms, miscellaneous and unique neoplasms, and tumorlike lesions and mesothelioma. Each neoplastic entity is briefly defined, and a short descriptive paragraph or two present key histologic features, including diagnostic features detectable by immunohistochemical methods. The volume is illustrated by 59 excellent quality black-and-white and color photomicrographs. Color images for the most part focus on immunohistochemical features of neoplasms (e.g., cytokeratin).
This volume is an important reference source for diagnostic pathologists and offers a comprehensive listing with descriptions of both common and rare neoplasms developing in the respiratory system of domestic animals. The main criticisms that might be leveled at this monograph and at the others in the series are that the neoplasm descriptions are weak on information on biology and clinical behavior and that the general references listed are minimalist in number and scope. Nevertheless, the monograph provides an essential classification scheme with descriptions and illustrations that will be very helpful to the working pathologist or pathologist in training.
The monograph can be ordered directly from the AFIP publications section, accessible at E-mail: http://www.afip.org. It and the companion volumes are a must-have resource for any busy diagnostic pathology service or training center in veterinary pathology.