Abstract
This is a human histology textbook that is well written by 96 MD or PhD authors, most of whom are pathologists or work within pathology departments. The preface to the first edition of Histology for Pathologists states that the purpose is the fill the gap “between histology and pathology in which information for the pathologist is often lacking.” Histologic variables such as those seen relative to age, sex and race are described. In the preface to this edition, the editor states, “emphasis is placed on normal processes that may be confused with pathologic conditions.” Therefore, descriptions of histologic artifacts, frequent histologic changes of little significance and other changes that might be misinterpreted in a biopsy specimen are described in most chapters. In addition, examples of common or selected pathologic processes are often described and illustrated. Overall, the textbook is well organized. There are variations in sub topics among chapters depending on important issues related to the system. All chapters contain thorough embryology sections that are well illustrated and would be useful to veterinary pathologists as well as MD pathologists. Histology is integrated with color photomicrographs and accented with electron photomicrographs. Immunohistochemistry is used throughout the book to illustrate various important histologic components. Some chapters even list a table of monoclonal antibodies that can be used in immunohistochemical evaluations for that system. Many chapters contain sections on specimen handling including how long fixation should occur for particular types of biopsies. Other items are presented that vary among systems. The kidney chapter for example contains a six-page table of “Genes Involved in Kidney Development.”
A CD is included that contains each textbook photograph in both .jpg and .pdf formats and also allows access to the images and legends via the internet. These photographs may be used in lectures. I could not, however, find a search engine function on the CD that would allow easy searching of the image data base by lesion or specific histologic structure.
The book is very readable with descriptions and interpretations easy to follow. The index is reasonably comprehensive and useful. Reference lists at the end of each chapter are not exhaustive, but reasonably thorough even though in several chapters the reference lists contained no reference past 1999. Images are of excellent quality with illustrations and histology photographs in color. Histology photographs are clear, well oriented and optimally stained. Electron photomicrographs are clear and of appropriate contrast. Drawings are often used to demonstrate gross or sub gross morphology as well as three-dimensional appearance and orientation of selected cells. These illustrations are of exceptional high quality and provide readers with a clear concept of the organization of the organ or tissue. Occasionally a gross photograph is presented to illustrate congenital anomalies or other pathologic changes. The inclusion of these, however, seems somewhat random.
Overall, this is an excellent textbook. It is greatly improved from the 2nd edition, which was edited by Sternberg and published in 1997. Illustration improvement is most notable in the 3rd edition. This book's human orientation limits its usefulness to many veterinary pathologists. It would be very useful in comparative pathology studies, and its photomicrographs of normal immunohistochemistry staining and descriptions of artifacts and specimen handling would definitely be of value to diagnostic veterinary pathologists. It is somewhat frustrating in trying to determine why some aspects of pathology are included in some chapters and in other chapters they are not. It is obvious that each author was allowed latitude in developing his/her chapter. Having a single copy available for pathology residents to use would probably be valuable especially as a reference for embryology, tissue organization, general histology, immunohistochemistry, specimen handling, and artifact interpretation. One should not, however, purchase this book if they only need it for basic histology. Other less expensive histology books and atlases can provide the basic histology information generally needed.