Customer Reviews

Differential Diagnosis in Surgical Pathology, 1e

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is a must for all pathology residents, especially those starting out. It is excellent for a quick reference before sign out or conference and is a good starting point for further reading. It should be coupled with a solid surgical pathology reference book such as Sternburg.

The binding on the spine of this book is faulty. I purchased this book earlier in the year and returned it; the cover along the spine had detached from the underlying binding. Whenever you open the book, it made crinkly noises and didn't feel right. I subsequently re-purchased this book months later and the second book had the same problem. I spoke to multiple residents in my program and they all had the same problem with this book. This is not an isolated event, but a problem with the manufacture of this particular book. I plan to glue the spine back together myself or take it to a bookbinding company. This defect is serious -- it detracts from the lifespan and value of this expensive book! Who wants to spend $160 for a book to have it fall apart and require glue or duct tape? Ridiculous! This is very unfortunate too, because the content of the book is very good. To the manufacturer and Amazon -- do something here!!

I bought this book without the benefit of any reviews or opinions from other folks in pathology because the title sounded so perfect for addressing a lot of the frustrations facing a new resident. This book is really excellent. It is a great value...because most of the photomicrographs are in black and white. (There are some color plates in the front.) Normally this is considered a deficit in pathology books, but its other good qualities outstrip the lack of color photos. The chapters are organized by organ system. There are a number of diagnostic algorithm charts. Each entity has bullets under the following headings: clinical features, gross pathology, histopathology, special stains and IHC, modern techniques for diagnosis (e.g. serum antibodies, flow cytometry, or EM, etc.), differential diagnosis, and pearls. There are also selected references at the end of each entry. It is well-organized and easy to use with a fairly good index. Many less common, but important, entities aren't given their own headings, but are mentioned (along with some pearls) in the differential diagnoses of more common entities. Many of the residents in my program are getting this book. I think everyone has been impressed with its completeness and ease of use. It may not be quite as valuable to experienced staff pathologists who can generate a complete differential diagnosis just by looking at a slide or hearing a history. Thanks so much to the authors, editors, and contributors.

Anatomy and Pathology: The Worlds Best Anatomical Charts - 4th Edition
This is a second edition of a popular book on surgical pathology by the authors. Once, I started reading it, I found myself engrossed completely by its contents. This book can be best described as a concise outline of various site specific anatomic pathology of various disorders. As a non-pathologist, for me, the book contains a wealth of information in a systematic and predictable manner. The short and understandable description and clear and colored photographs make the book easy to read and comprehend. The list of references is short, appropriate and recent. My favorite chapters are on Skin, Male reproductive organs and breast.

Although, the book, I understand, is meant for medical students and residents, it should, in my opinion, be on the shelf of every physician in active practice of medicine. The print size and the format of the book are easy to read, understand and follow. However, at eight pounds of weight, it is heavy to hold on ones lap, less so to carry. My laptop computer is lighter than this book. I hope that the authors will consider digitalizing the content of the book and save it on a CD so that one can carry the book in his briefcase.

This is an excellent title and should be part of the required textbook list that all pathology residents should get at the start of their residency. The bullet comment format is very useful and this text is a fine companion to the standard Anatomic Pathology text. It is also perfect for a quick review of a disease entity either at sign-out with staff or prior to a larger scope teaching session. Get this book early in the residency if at all possible.

The second edition is even better than the first. The color pictures are great! It's a very practical and easy to use book. I'm currently a second year pathology resident and I use this book every time I preview my slides. It's easy to look up a diagnosis and know what should be in the differential. Also, everything is in bullet format which is great for reviewing the key points of a diagnosis. The book covers all areas of anatomic pathology. It's really a must have for me and I know I will continue to use it throughout my career.

This is an EXCELLENT book no matter whether you're a resident, fellow, or attending. The outline format makes it easier to locate the high-yield facts you're searching for. I especially like the first chapter in which they go over molecular diagnostics (we can always brush up on that), the GI chapter, Gyne chapter, and the Derm chapter. The second edition is even better with numerous color pictures. I am currently a resident and this book is on my roster of texts to entirely read before the boards. Highly recommend!

I purchased this book at the tail end of my first year and wish I had gotten it sooner. It is an awesome quick reference for conferences and sign-out. The descriptions of what to look for in a particular lesion are great. The differential diagnoses are a touch incomplete. However, for the differentials listed, an explanation of why the lesions are different is given. Another bonus is the fact that special stains are included for each lesion (my personal favorite). The book could be a bit more organized, but I think this will come with age. Overall I thinks it's a great book and a good buy (bordering on must buy) for the lost confused eyes of a first year resident.

This is an excellent book for junior residents as a quick reference guide especially before sign-outs. It's in outline format with plenty of pictures. The book is organized by organ system and gives differential diagnoses for each entity presented, immunostains and pearls at the end of each entity. It's a must-have for all first year residents. I ordered through Amazon and received it earlier than expected!

Surgical pathology training is all about learning to develop a differential diagnosis, yet most pathology texts discuss differentials in very casual terms. This book brings differential thinking to the forefront by presenting a differential, with criteria, for every entity it discusses. Pathology residents, do yourselves a favor--pass on the big multivolume surg path texts (at least at the start of your training) and pick up this concise, yet thorough reference. You will use it every day at the scope.