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Diagnosis by cytologic means is what the mathematicians would describe as elegant; the methods are often simple but richly nuanced, while the results can be profound though succinctly stated. Tiny samples atraumatically obtained are at the heart of both the elegance and the dif? culties of this subspecialty. Following initial successes of traditional exfoliative cytology, further applications were long constrained by the fact that few body surfaces present themselves for direct collection of exfo- ated cells. Thus, it was inevitable that advances in nonoperative evaluations for speci? c body sites would be accompanied by expansions in cytologic diagnosis. Hence the proliferation of sampling methods with techniques the same as their names, including brushing, washing, lavage, and aspiration. Examples come readily to mind. One of the most dramatic bursts in cytodiagnosis happened in the 1980s, when deep-lung sampling by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) arrived at about the same time as the AIDS pandemic. Frequent and often repeated diagnosis of CMV and pneumocystis quickly led to numerous such samples being submitted to many laboratories. These now common infectious agents and this new technique were highly suited to rapid evaluation of AIDS patients. The rapid rise of? ne needle aspiration occurred at about the same time, at least on this side of the Atlantic. Although not really new, the explosion in its use had awaited both cli- cal acceptance and adequate training for a critical mass of pathologists. This history has been well recorded by others.

This atlas is the offspring of the “The National Cancer Institute (NCI) Thyroid Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) State of the Science Conference,” hosted by the NCI and organized by Dr. Andrea Abati. Preparations for the conference began 18 months earlier with the designation of a steering committee and the establishment of a dedicated, p- manent web site. The meeting took place on October 22 and 23, 2007 in Bethesda, Maryland and was co-moderated by Susan J. Mandel and Edmund S. Cibas. The discussions and conclusions regarding terminology and morphologic criteria 1, 2 from the meeting were summarized in publications by Baloch et al. and form the framework for this atlas. The atlas is organized by the general categories of “Nondiagnostic,” “Benign,” “Follicular Neoplasm/Suspicious for a Follicular Neoplasm”, “Suspicious for Malignancy,” and “Malignant,” and it includes the defi- tions and morphologic criteria of these categories as set forth by Baloch et al. The majority of the conferenceparticipants also agreed on a category of “undetermined significance,” which is incorporated in this atlas (Chap. 4). It is critical that the cytopathologist communicate thyroid FNA interpretations to the referring physician in terms that are succinct, unambiguous, and helpful clinically. We recognize that the terminology used here is a flexible framework that can be modified by individual laboratories to meet the needs of their providers and the patients they serve.

The past two decades have seen an ever accelerating growth in knowledge about molecular pathology of human diseases, which received a large boost with the sequencing of the human genome in 2003. Mole- lar diagnostics, molecular targeted therapy, and genetic therapy are now routine in many medical centers. The molecular field now impacts every field in medicine, whether clinical research or routine patient care. There is a great need for basic researchers to understand the potential clinical implications of their research whereas private practice clinicians of all types (general internal medicine and internal medicine specialists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, pediatricians, family practitioners), clinical inves- gators, pathologists and medical laboratory directors, and radiologists require a basic understanding of the fundamentals of molecular pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment for their patients. Traditional textbooks in molecular biology deal with basic science and are not readily applicable to the medical setting. Most medical textbooks that include a mention of molecular pathology in the clinical setting are limited in scope and assume that the reader already has a working knowledge of the basic science of molecular biology. Other texts emphasize technology and testing procedures without integrating the clinical perspective. There is an urgent need for a text that fills the gap between basic science books and clinical practice.

Needle biopsy is a simple, reliable, inexpensive, well-tolerated, and minimally invasive procedure for the diagnosis of tumors, both in superficial and in deep sites. Today, following the shift to a more conservative approach to tumor treatment, and in this era of'tailored'or'targeted'oncological therapies, the use of needle biopsy in the diagnosis of neoplasia, at all phases of the disease, is expected to increase dramatically. The efficacy of this technique is, however, strongly influenced by the experience of the physician performing the technique and by the pathologist's ability to interpret the results derived from the minimal cellular harvest. The aim of this volume is to provide all of the information and insight needed to obtain a correct diagnosis based on needle biopsy evaluation. In a problem-oriented approach, the author describes the optimal interventional maneuver and biopsy-sample triage for all types of lesions. The reader is then guided through the interpretation of all possible cytological findings based on a pattern-analysis methodology. The integration of this information with clinical and preanalytical data is the best approach to obtain a correct diagnosis.

This authoritative textbook offers in-depth coverage of all aspects of molecular pathology practice and embodies the current standard in molecular testing. Since the successful first edition, new sections have been added on pharmacogenetics and genomics, while other sections have been revised and updated to reflect the rapid advances in the field. The result is a superb reference that encompasses molecular biology basics, genetics, inherited cancers, solid tumors, neoplastic hematopathology, infectious diseases, identity testing, HLA typing, laboratory management, genomics and proteomics. Throughout the text, emphasis is placed on the molecular variations being detected, the clinical usefulness of the tests and important clinical and laboratory issues.The second edition of Molecular Pathology in Clinical Practice will be an invaluable source of information for all practicing molecular pathologists and will also be of utility for other pathologists, clinical colleaguesand trainees.

Ultrasound has become established as the diagnostic procedure of choice in guidelines for the management of thyroid nodules by essentially every professional organization of endocrino- gists. In this, the second edition of their outstanding text on thyroid ultrasound, Baskin, Duick, and Levine have provided an invaluable guide to the application of gray-scale and color Doppler ultrasonography to state-of-the-art diagnostic eva- ation of thyroid nodules, and to the management of thyroid cysts, benign thyroid and parathyroid nodules, and thyroid cancer. Differences with, and additions to, the first edition highlight the extraordinary and dramatic advances in appli- tions of ultrasonography that have occurred in the past decade. The high yield of malignancy in ultrasound-guided fine-needle (FNA) aspirates of nondominant nodules in multinodular glands has altered our mistaken complacency in assuming that palpation-guided FNA only of palpable dominant nodules was adequate for diagnosis. Rather, ultrasound has taught us that the commonly held belief that malignancy is less likely in a multinodular gland is incorrect. Utility of ultrasound has gone far beyond just the initial diagnostic approach, as improved highly sensitive probes allow accurate characterization of the nature of thyroid nodules or lymph nodes, setting priorities for FNA and for serial monitoring for changes in size that could imply malignancy.

Salivary gland cytopathology is one of the most challenging areas of diagnostic cytology. Salivary Gland Cytopathology will use a simplified algorithmic approach based upon differential diagnostic groups to cover practical aspects of diagnosing common as well as challenging salivary gland lesions. This volume published in the “Essentials in Cytopathology” book series will fulfill the need for an easy-to-use and authoritative synopsis of site specific topics in cytopathology. These guide books fit into the lab coat pocket, ideal for portability and quick reference. Each volume is heavily illustrated with a full color art program, while the text follows a user-friendly outline format.

Dail and Hammar's Pulmonary Pathology has established itself as the definitive reference in the field. This third edition is now a two-volume, full color text led by Dr. Tomashefksi, as Editor-in-Chief and Drs. Cagle, Farver, and Fraire as Associate Editors. The new editorial board has continued to build upon the excellence Dail and Hammar achieved in the previous editions by reorganizing, expanding and substantially revising the text. This authoritative reference work has been thoroughly updated to cover newly recognized entities and the latest advances in molecular diagnostic techniques. Abundantly illustrated with more than 2000 full color illustrations. This outstanding contribution to pathology literature is a must-have for the library of every surgical and pulmonary pathologist. Dail and Hammar's Pulmonary Pathology has set the standard for which all other pathology texts strive to achieve. From stellar reviews of the Second Edition:'When the first edition of Pulmonary Pathology by David H. Dail and Samuel P. Hammar was published in 1988, it was clear that it was to become the reference book for pulmonary pathology. It was difficult to conceive then that a better book on the subject could be assembled. The second edition of this encyclopedic work proved convincingly that improvement could occur. Indeed, the new revised edition is more complete and better illustrated…I consider this book to be an outstanding contribution to the pathology literature and a must in the library of surgical and pulmonary pathologists.'-- Human Pathology

In recent years, cytology has played an increasingly important role in the diagnosis of disease, particularly those of neoplastic origin. It is not unusual for cytologic specimens to be the only diagnostic samples available from patients with cancer. Many ancillary tests traditionally performed on histologic material are now being performed on cytologic specimens. One such technique, immunocytochemistry (ICC), has already proved to be important in diagnostic tumor pathology. This atlas examines the value of ICC as well as its limitations in contemporary cytology. Methods have been refined and high-quality reagents are now available. As a result, technical problems no longer present a major concern in this field. This volume will briefly address the technical aspects of ICC by providing practical advice for the users and analytical aspects of ICC, including correct selection of markers for specific differential diagnoses and incorporation of results in final cytologic interpretation; illustrate the utilization of ICC in the resolution of some common diagnostic problems in fine needle aspiration and body cavity fluid cytology. ICC of undifferentiated malignant neoplasms, carcinomas of unknown origin, and most importantly its utilization in specific differential diagnoses that are based on cytomorpholoy and patient's clinical history is also discussed. This practical handbook will allow for quick reference in the selection and interpretation of markers in specific differential diagnostic in the daily practice of diagnostic cytology.

The purpose of the textbook, Tumors of the Chest: Biology, Diagnosis and Management, is to meticulously depict all aspects of chest tumors in a comprehensive volume format that encompasses their biology, clinical presentation and management. Lung cancer and chest malignancies demand complicated therapeutical procedures without a guaranteed cure, cause agonizing side effects and mean immense suffering for the patients and their families. Over the last decade lung cancer became the providence of the scientific specialities involved:oncology, radiology, radiotherapy, palliative, epidemiology, biology. The internationally renowned authors provide in this book a comprehensive and interdisciplinary overview of their experience with the latest advances in these fields. Also covered are the wide-ranging topics of management in the elderly, chemoprevention, along with ethical, social and economic issues.

Advances in molecular and genetics-based diagnostics are driving an increased interest in cytopathology, as cytological specimens are the ideal substrate for this new technology. Although there are a handful of comprehensive, standard texts on the market, there is a need for portable, more concise books for easy reference. Thus, the inception of the Essentials in Cytopathology series is intended to fill the gap in the market. This series will fulfill the need for an easy-to-use and authoritative synopsis of site-specific topics in cytopathology. The discussions will take into account the need for increased emphasis on differential diagnoses, the how-to's on screening, cytology/hitology correlation, what the criteria are, as well as issues involved with patient interaction, such as on-site evaluation. Discussions will address safety issues as well as diagnostic pitfalls. Each volume will be site-specific and edited by leading specialists in the field. These guide books fit into the lab coat pocket, ideal for portability and quick reference. Each volume will be heavily illustrated with a 125-image full color art program, while the text will follow a user-friendly outline format. A must-have for every pathologist, cytopathologist, fellow and trainee. The inaugural volume of the Series will be the Thyroid, edited by Drs. Clark and Faquin, leaders in the field of thyroid cytopathology.

Pathology of Asbestos-Associated Diseases integrates the newest research and advances in its discussion of asbestos-induced diseases. Organized in 13 chapters, the book begins with background information on the mineralogy of asbestos, occupation and environmental exposure to asbestos, and asbestosis. A detailed discussion on mesothelioma includes a historical background, addresses etiologic considerations and epidemiology, pathologic features, differential diagnosis and treatment and prognosis. Guidelines for assessing and identifying asbestos-associated carcinomas of the lung, including histopathology and differential diagnosis, are discussed. The text also addresses the explosion of research in the area of molecular biology and the abundance of information bearing on the mechanisms by which asbestos causes disease. Chapters also cover cytopathology and experimental models of asbestos-related diseases. The diseases associated with asbestos have significant medico-legal implications, and there are two chapters dedicated to addressing the issue. More than 190 illustrations complement the text. An invaluable reference for the pathologist, pulmonologist, radiologist, and occupational medical practitioner interested in asbestos-related disease as well as malpractice attorneys needing an understanding of asbestos, the diseases it induces, prognosis and clinical implications.