Owen OA Kelly JK:

Pathology of the Gallbladder, Biliary Tract and Pancreas, Volume 39 of the Major Problems in Pathology Series, 365 pp, Philadelphia, W.B. Saunders, 2001 ($79.00).

As astutely pointed out by the authors in the preface, the pathology of the gallbladder, biliary tract, and pancreas is an area that has few dedicated monographs. This text provides a comprehensive overview of the region. As many surgical pathologists will attest, a scheduled Whipple procedure sends one scrambling for texts dedicated to this subject. The widespread use of this procedure as well as endoscopic techniques ensure that the pathologist must be adequately prepared to interpret tissue specimens from this region. Not to mislead though, this book covers all aspects of disease, not just neoplasia.

Contents include 16 chapters within 351 pages followed by a comprehensive index. Chapters are thoughtfully arranged with reviews of embryology, anatomy, and histology of the pancreas, gallbladder, and bile ducts followed by chapters dealing with neoplastic, congenital, inflammatory, and degenerative conditions. The complex features and lesions of the ampulla of Vater are included. The inclusion of discussion and illustrations of normal anatomic variants is well done. Also nicely incorporated into the text is information regarding contemporary molecular and clinical caveats with an entire chapter dedicated to the molecular biology of pancreatic carcinoma. This text does well to not only describe and classify but to expand on etiology and pathogenesis. The illustrations of the text are primarily directed toward histopathology, although gross and cytology pictures are included. The illustrations are limited to black and white and are labeled clearly.

Overall, I find this book to be a quintessential guide for pathology residents, fellows, and practicing pathologists dealing with pancreatobiliary specimens. This volume continues in the high-quality tradition of the MPP series.