Abstract
This is the 10th in a series of 12 volumes on the histological classification of tumors of domestic animals. It is published by the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology in cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center for Worldwide Reference on Comparative Oncology and the American Registry of Pathology. The aim to provide detailed classification criteria and definitions of tumors of the alimentary tract of domestic animals is concisely and expertly accomplished. The contributing authors represent a broad spectrum of internationally recognized expertise and experience and have done an outstanding job with this volume. This volume serves as an informative publication to “facilitate communication between veterinary and medical pathologists, diagnosticians, and researchers” and contributes to the overall goals of establishing international harmonization and consensus of diagnoses.
The volume is divided into 9 sections based on the anatomy of the alimentary tract: upper alimentary tract, odontogenic tissues, salivary glands, stomach, intestines, pancreas, liver and gallbladder, rectoanal junction, and serosal-lined cavities. Each section is organized in the typical format of previous volumes with detailed descriptions of the lesions preceded by a brief outline of the classification. The sections are divided into general categories of neoplasia, such as epithelial, mesenchymal, neuroendocrine, tumor-like lesions, etc. Each lesion is briefly defined with a short paragraph or two of descriptive features that sometimes includes the immunohistochemical, ultrastructural, and various special staining characteristics. Primary neoplasms are included for each section with extensive descriptions and many good examples. Common and rare neoplasms of the alimentary tract with distinctive features for each species and biological behavior are also presented. Important secondary neoplasms and tumor-like and non-neoplastic conditions that should be distinguished from neoplasms are discussed. Photos and photomicrographs, located in the second half of the book are mostly color images, of excellent quality, and representative of the lesions.
The classification schemes are generally straightforward, although occasionally overly complex. Grading criteria are not provided in detail in this book, however, the authors do apply grades for lymphoma in some figures. Proven prognostic benefits of histological classification and grading are still evolving in veterinary medicine. It is hoped that more widespread application of the proposed classification schemes in this fascicle, along with application of grading schemes provided in the general literature and controlled studies with clinical follow-ups, will strengthen their prognostic value.
Some terminology is not clearly defined or is contradictory. For example, in one section the term “polyp” is defined as a hyperplastic or neoplastic growth in the stomach, while in intestine “polyp” is reserved for nonneoplastic growths. The fact that “pleomorphic adenomas” of the salivary gland can metastasize is puzzling. A summary of the currently recommended criteria for diagnosing “histiocytic sarcoma” and “malignant histiocytosis” would be helpful.
Overall, this volume is an excellent reference and would be an often-used reference for students of pathology as well as practicing diagnostic pathologists. It is also a useful resource for pathologists involved in research, industry, comparative pathology, and training.