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Invasion: Experimental and Clinical Implications
BOOK REVIEWS
Perhaps the greatest departure from current thinking on classification of glomerulonephritis is seen in Chapter 7 which deals with “Segmental (Focal) Glomerulonephritis”. One major contribution of the recent W H O Committee recommendations o n classification of glomerulonephritis (to which the author refers) was the separation into basic glomerular alterations and superimposed or “qualifying” glomerular changes which incorporates segmental lesions. Chapter 7 really serves to confuse this issue again. The recurrent hematuria syndrome is discussed in Chapter 7 without any clear differentiation into mesangial IgA nephropathy which is one form of this syndrome and the non-IgA groups. In describing the pathology there are various unacceptable statements, for example, the changes are said t o be far less florid in the recurrent hematuria syndrome than those associated with Schonlein-Henoch purpura. Many groups have called attention t o the fact that the lesions of mesangial IgA nephropathy and HenochSchonlein syndrome can be almost indistinguishable, so that this statement is clearly not correct. Among the illustrations of lesions in “focal glomerulonephritis” is an example of what most people would regard as focal and segmental hyalinosis and sclerosis; in the following section which addresses the question of focal glomerulosclerosis (focal and segmental hyalinosis and sclerosis), a’Figure shows a triangular segmental lesion resembling those seen in mesangial IgA nephropathy. This question is not discussed nor are the difficulties addressed. Chapters 8 t o 34 deal with a large variety of systemic diseases and other renal lesions affecting the kidney. The electron micrographs in this section are of good quality, and in particular, the several illustrations of platelets and fibrin in electron micrographs are impressive. As in the sections on idiopathic glomerulonephritis the author never gives his own experience or an analysis of this. This is a pity because the electron micrographs show that Dr Dunnill must have access to a very large number of cases. Overall the book provides a good review of what has been published, but 1 found no original observations in the text. Chapter 24 deals with renal infection in an “old-fashioned” manner. Not nearly sufficient attention is given to the question of what most people would now call reflux nephropathy and the importance of focal and segmental glomerular hyalinosis and sclerosis in progression of this disease. In summary this volume provides quite a good review of literature relating to morphological lesions in renal disease. It contains no original analysis of data from the author’s own experience. While it may prove a useful addition to the shelves of those who have a special interest in renal disease, I would not advise it as the only book o n renal disease for pathologists with more general interests, where a book like Heptinstalls’ “Pathology of the Kidney” would give a much more comprehensive cover on the field.
Priscilla Kincaid-Smith
Forensic Histopathology W. JANSSEN1984. Springer-Verlag, Berlin, ISBN 3-540-12466-7 pp. Heidelberg, New York, Tokyo DM 168,-402, illustrated. Originally written in German by Professor Janssen of Hamburg the English Edition has been carefully translated by Stephen Forster. The references have been updated to 1981 with the occasional one in 1982. While the majority of references are in the German literature, English, American, Scandanavian and Japanese references have been consulted. The author has attempted t o demonstrate the value of histopathology in solving forensic problems, and has drawn on his wide experience and knowledge in considering the opinions of others expert in this field. The book is in two sections. The first, or General Section, concerns the tissue changes that can occur largely independent of any special cause. The headings are post mortem changes, vital reactions, oxygen deficiency, shock. The second part of the book discusses changes that can occur with a special type of cause. These are not only the expected traumatic causes - heat, cold, immersion, gunshot wounds and so on,
173
but discussions on sudden death from natural causes, findings in deaths from starvation and those from atmospheric effects. There are many black and white illustrations each of which is referred t o in the text. There is a short discussion on collection of material and methods of preparation as well as an indication of the most suitable methods of investigation for a particular problem. This book fills a gap in Forensic Medicine literature. The wide practical experience of the author is evident in all its chapters and he has fulfilled admirably his task of demonstrating the value of histopathology in solving forensic problems. This book is a valuable reference source for all pathologists who carry out autopsies with a forensic attachment, and can be highly recommended.
F. J . Cairns
Current Topics in Pathology Vol. 74 Derrnatopathology. Ed. C. L. BERRY1985. Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, Tokyo pp. 286, illustrated ISBN 3-540-13174-4. DM 148,-Another volume of the excellent series Current Topics in Pathology has emerged on that topical and difficult area of dermatopathology. I t commences with an excellent review of melanocytic skin lesions including melanoma, by D. Weedon, such that this alone makes this volume a handy bench book for the histopathologist. In addition to melanocytic nevi, other conditions discussed include Becker’s melanosis, PUVA lentigo, dysplastic nevus syndrome, and there is a succinct summary of the difficult area of prognostic factors in malignant melanoma. Cutaneous vasculitis is a difficult area and the review by T Ryan and S Burge uses the broad definition of vasculitis to mean microvascular injury. In practice with this definition the histopathologist may well call a perivascular infiltrate a vasculitis and the unsuspecting clinician commence treatment with systemic steroids. Clinico-pathological correlation is however stressed. The review concludes with descriptions of clinical conditions and their pathology. Genetic and developmental aspects of pathological pigmentation patterns by R. Goudie, A. Jack and B. Goudie is a very interesting study with comparisons between animal and human data, and discussions of the genetic implications. Syndromes associated with lentigenes, piebaldism, and partial albinism with deafness are discussed. There is a good account of the pigmentation patterns seen in vitiligo. The concept of “proliferative skin disease” with relation to epidermal cell proliferation by N. Wright concerns basic experimental data in cell turnover especially pertaining to psoriasis. This complicated area makes one realize that much work has been done to explain the increase in mitotic activity noted in psoriasis over 20 yr ago. Mycosis fungoides was initially described in 1806, yet today there are still many unanswered questions. This good review by W. Sterry points out that the North American grouping concept of cutaneous T cell lymphomas may be a step backwards, inhibiting attempts to separate different clinico-pathological entities. The clinical features of mycosis fungoides including the complicated area of immunological characterization of the cutaneous infiltrate, prognostic signs and staging, cytogenetic studies, pathogenesis and therapy are all well discussed. Bullous dermatoses (“buttous lesions” according to the Editor’s preface!) by A Chu is an excellent well set out review of the subject and a further reason for making this volume valuable to anyone whether he be a pathologist or clinician, interested in the fascinating field of dermatopathology.
G . Mason
Invasion: Experimental and Clinical Implications. Eds. MARCM . MAREELAND KENNETHC. CALMAN 1984. Oxford University Press, Oxford, London (Aust. Distr. A.U.P. Australia, Melbourne) $94.00 ISBN 0-19-261358-8 pp. 316, illustrated. The key feature which distinguishes malignant cells from normal cells is apparently uncontrolled invasion of tissue adjacent to the tumour.
174
BOOK REVIEWS
Basic descriptive information about clinical and pathological aspects of invasion and its consequence, metastasis, has been available for many years. However, little is known at a cellular o r biochemical level as to why neoplastic cellc invade whereas, usually but not invariably, normal cells do not. This book by a group of European and American workers reviews many aspects of invasion. Some chapters on clinical and pathological aspects, although clearly expressed, add very little original material. Others review basic aspects such as suitable model systems, stromal resistance to invasion, substances secreted by invasive cells and the mode of tumour cell locomotion. These chapters are valuable in that they
Pathology (1986), 18, January bring together a large amount of recent work which is only available in specialized journals. The overall conclusion that emerges from the work reviewed is depressing. There are clearly great problems in devising adequate model systems, and too little is known of basic aspects of invasion to suggest that anti-invasive therapy will be of clinical value in the foreseeable future. The appeal of this book is likely t o be to experimental pathologists and biochemists interested in fundamental aspects of neoplasia. It contains little of value to diagnostic pathologists or clinical oncologists. J . V . Hurley
Perhaps the greatest departure from current thinking on classification of glomerulonephritis is seen in Chapter 7 which deals with “Segmental (Focal) Glomerulonephritis”. One major contribution of the recent W H O Committee recommendations o n classification of glomerulonephritis (to which the author refers) was the separation into basic glomerular alterations and superimposed or “qualifying” glomerular changes which incorporates segmental lesions. Chapter 7 really serves to confuse this issue again. The recurrent hematuria syndrome is discussed in Chapter 7 without any clear differentiation into mesangial IgA nephropathy which is one form of this syndrome and the non-IgA groups. In describing the pathology there are various unacceptable statements, for example, the changes are said t o be far less florid in the recurrent hematuria syndrome than those associated with Schonlein-Henoch purpura. Many groups have called attention t o the fact that the lesions of mesangial IgA nephropathy and HenochSchonlein syndrome can be almost indistinguishable, so that this statement is clearly not correct. Among the illustrations of lesions in “focal glomerulonephritis” is an example of what most people would regard as focal and segmental hyalinosis and sclerosis; in the following section which addresses the question of focal glomerulosclerosis (focal and segmental hyalinosis and sclerosis), a’Figure shows a triangular segmental lesion resembling those seen in mesangial IgA nephropathy. This question is not discussed nor are the difficulties addressed. Chapters 8 t o 34 deal with a large variety of systemic diseases and other renal lesions affecting the kidney. The electron micrographs in this section are of good quality, and in particular, the several illustrations of platelets and fibrin in electron micrographs are impressive. As in the sections on idiopathic glomerulonephritis the author never gives his own experience or an analysis of this. This is a pity because the electron micrographs show that Dr Dunnill must have access to a very large number of cases. Overall the book provides a good review of what has been published, but 1 found no original observations in the text. Chapter 24 deals with renal infection in an “old-fashioned” manner. Not nearly sufficient attention is given to the question of what most people would now call reflux nephropathy and the importance of focal and segmental glomerular hyalinosis and sclerosis in progression of this disease. In summary this volume provides quite a good review of literature relating to morphological lesions in renal disease. It contains no original analysis of data from the author’s own experience. While it may prove a useful addition to the shelves of those who have a special interest in renal disease, I would not advise it as the only book o n renal disease for pathologists with more general interests, where a book like Heptinstalls’ “Pathology of the Kidney” would give a much more comprehensive cover on the field.
Priscilla Kincaid-Smith
Forensic Histopathology W. JANSSEN1984. Springer-Verlag, Berlin, ISBN 3-540-12466-7 pp. Heidelberg, New York, Tokyo DM 168,-402, illustrated. Originally written in German by Professor Janssen of Hamburg the English Edition has been carefully translated by Stephen Forster. The references have been updated to 1981 with the occasional one in 1982. While the majority of references are in the German literature, English, American, Scandanavian and Japanese references have been consulted. The author has attempted t o demonstrate the value of histopathology in solving forensic problems, and has drawn on his wide experience and knowledge in considering the opinions of others expert in this field. The book is in two sections. The first, or General Section, concerns the tissue changes that can occur largely independent of any special cause. The headings are post mortem changes, vital reactions, oxygen deficiency, shock. The second part of the book discusses changes that can occur with a special type of cause. These are not only the expected traumatic causes - heat, cold, immersion, gunshot wounds and so on,
173
but discussions on sudden death from natural causes, findings in deaths from starvation and those from atmospheric effects. There are many black and white illustrations each of which is referred t o in the text. There is a short discussion on collection of material and methods of preparation as well as an indication of the most suitable methods of investigation for a particular problem. This book fills a gap in Forensic Medicine literature. The wide practical experience of the author is evident in all its chapters and he has fulfilled admirably his task of demonstrating the value of histopathology in solving forensic problems. This book is a valuable reference source for all pathologists who carry out autopsies with a forensic attachment, and can be highly recommended.
F. J . Cairns
Current Topics in Pathology Vol. 74 Derrnatopathology. Ed. C. L. BERRY1985. Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, Tokyo pp. 286, illustrated ISBN 3-540-13174-4. DM 148,-Another volume of the excellent series Current Topics in Pathology has emerged on that topical and difficult area of dermatopathology. I t commences with an excellent review of melanocytic skin lesions including melanoma, by D. Weedon, such that this alone makes this volume a handy bench book for the histopathologist. In addition to melanocytic nevi, other conditions discussed include Becker’s melanosis, PUVA lentigo, dysplastic nevus syndrome, and there is a succinct summary of the difficult area of prognostic factors in malignant melanoma. Cutaneous vasculitis is a difficult area and the review by T Ryan and S Burge uses the broad definition of vasculitis to mean microvascular injury. In practice with this definition the histopathologist may well call a perivascular infiltrate a vasculitis and the unsuspecting clinician commence treatment with systemic steroids. Clinico-pathological correlation is however stressed. The review concludes with descriptions of clinical conditions and their pathology. Genetic and developmental aspects of pathological pigmentation patterns by R. Goudie, A. Jack and B. Goudie is a very interesting study with comparisons between animal and human data, and discussions of the genetic implications. Syndromes associated with lentigenes, piebaldism, and partial albinism with deafness are discussed. There is a good account of the pigmentation patterns seen in vitiligo. The concept of “proliferative skin disease” with relation to epidermal cell proliferation by N. Wright concerns basic experimental data in cell turnover especially pertaining to psoriasis. This complicated area makes one realize that much work has been done to explain the increase in mitotic activity noted in psoriasis over 20 yr ago. Mycosis fungoides was initially described in 1806, yet today there are still many unanswered questions. This good review by W. Sterry points out that the North American grouping concept of cutaneous T cell lymphomas may be a step backwards, inhibiting attempts to separate different clinico-pathological entities. The clinical features of mycosis fungoides including the complicated area of immunological characterization of the cutaneous infiltrate, prognostic signs and staging, cytogenetic studies, pathogenesis and therapy are all well discussed. Bullous dermatoses (“buttous lesions” according to the Editor’s preface!) by A Chu is an excellent well set out review of the subject and a further reason for making this volume valuable to anyone whether he be a pathologist or clinician, interested in the fascinating field of dermatopathology.
G . Mason
Invasion: Experimental and Clinical Implications. Eds. MARCM . MAREELAND KENNETHC. CALMAN 1984. Oxford University Press, Oxford, London (Aust. Distr. A.U.P. Australia, Melbourne) $94.00 ISBN 0-19-261358-8 pp. 316, illustrated. The key feature which distinguishes malignant cells from normal cells is apparently uncontrolled invasion of tissue adjacent to the tumour.
174
BOOK REVIEWS
Basic descriptive information about clinical and pathological aspects of invasion and its consequence, metastasis, has been available for many years. However, little is known at a cellular o r biochemical level as to why neoplastic cellc invade whereas, usually but not invariably, normal cells do not. This book by a group of European and American workers reviews many aspects of invasion. Some chapters on clinical and pathological aspects, although clearly expressed, add very little original material. Others review basic aspects such as suitable model systems, stromal resistance to invasion, substances secreted by invasive cells and the mode of tumour cell locomotion. These chapters are valuable in that they
Pathology (1986), 18, January bring together a large amount of recent work which is only available in specialized journals. The overall conclusion that emerges from the work reviewed is depressing. There are clearly great problems in devising adequate model systems, and too little is known of basic aspects of invasion to suggest that anti-invasive therapy will be of clinical value in the foreseeable future. The appeal of this book is likely t o be to experimental pathologists and biochemists interested in fundamental aspects of neoplasia. It contains little of value to diagnostic pathologists or clinical oncologists. J . V . Hurley