Pathology Of Human Neoplasms

As was shown in the first two volumes of this series, great strides have been made in identifying many of the agents or classes of substances responsible for carcinogenesis and in delineating their interactions with the cell. Clearly, the aim of such studies is that, once identified, these agents can be eliminated from the environment. Yet, despite these advances and the elimination of some important carcinogenic agents, one major problem exists. It is a constant monitor of all oncologic study and diminishes the importance of every experiment and of every clinical observation. As we noted earlier, that problem is our inability to define the malignant cell. It is through studies of the fundamental biology of tumors that we seek this definition. A vast amount of information has been gathered which describes what this cell does and-to a lesser extent-how it does it. But the why evades us. We have been unable to define the malignant cell, save in broad terms by comparing it to its normal counterpart. The major problem appears to be that the malignant cell does so much. It is a chimera, mystifyingly composed of normal activities and structures, of phenotypic schizophrenia with embryonic, fetal, and adult charac teristics and, occasionally, a hint of an unclassifiable capacity unique to malignant cells.

This book is directed primarily to advanced graduate and medical students, postdoctoral trainees, and established investigators having basic research interests in neoplasia. Its content is based in part on the lecture outlines and selected histopathology laboratory components of an advanced course entitled The Pathobiology of Experimental Animal and Human Neoplasia, developed by me for the Experimental Pathology Curriculum of the Department of Pathology at the Medical College of Virginia. In this regard, an effort has been made to integrate pathology with carcinogenesis, genetics, biochemistry, and cellular and molecular biology in order to present a comprehensive and current view of the neoplastic process. For focus, emphasis is mainly being placed on the neoplastic cells themselves, and not on associated host-mediated responses. It ishoped that this book will accomplish its purpose of providing students and researchers who already possess strong but diverse basic science backgrounds with unifying concepts in tumor pathobiology, so as to stimulate new research aimed at furthering our understanding of neoplastic disease. I wish to express my appreciation and heartfelt thanks to the authors, whose individual ranges of expertise and research experience clearly bring to their respective chapters unique perspectives that easily transcend any redundancy that may be present. In addition, I am grateful to Drs. George Vennart, Saul Kay, and Fred Meier, and to Ms. Connie Wilkerson of the Department of Pathology at MCV, for their helpful comments and their review of some of the material.

This unique text is devoted to the full range of neoplastic properties exhibited by the comprehensive collection of human neoplasms. Like no other book of it's kind, it approaches cancer biology by surveying the diversity of neoplasms and by building a classification of neoplasms based on an understanding of the cellular options for tumor development. By grouping neoplasms into a comprehensive classification, we can develop class-specific methods to prevent, detect, and treat cancers. The book is divided into three broad units: speciation, classification and eradication. In the process of developing a classification for neoplasms, dozens of the fundamental questions in neoplastic development are asked and answered. Neoplasms provides readers with a fascinating and enjoyable way to learn the otherwise arcane and dense subject of human tumor diversity.

Molecular Surgical Pathology provides a concise review of recent advancement of molecular pathology in each organ system. The text is intended as a “first knowledge base” in the rapidly evolving field of molecular pathology and is organized in a user friendly outline format. Each chapter is organ-based and covers important aspects of molecular pathology and its impact on our daily practice of surgical pathology. The topics presented herein constitute the fundamentals and core base of knowledge required for the daily practice of surgical pathology. This book focuses on the practical utilities of molecular techniques and molecular biomarkers in daily practice of surgical pathology. The emphasis is on the impact of molecular pathology for tumor classification, diagnosis and differential diagnosis as well as its implications for patient management and personalized care. Numerous tables, diagrams and color illustrations are included throughout. Molecular Surgical Pathology will prove a very useful resource for pathologists in training who are preparing for the Board and in-service examination. It will also be a unique and invaluable resource for medical oncologists, physicians, other medical professionals and basic research scientists with interest in molecular pathology of human cancers.