VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Barbara M. Egbert, BS MD -- This concise synopsis of dermatopathology covers the entire subject offering an expanded introduction to diagnosis by pattern analysis. The previous edition was published in 1999. The authors' purpose is to use the concept of pattern analysis for the diagnosis of dermatologic diseases histopathologically. This is an excellent approach to the diagnosis of skin biopsies. The authors have targeted both trainees and more experienced practitioners and the book would be useful to medical students, practicing pathologists and dermatology, medical, and family practice residents. The book covers most aspects of dermatopathology and targets diagnosis by pattern. The book has excellent clinical photographs as well as excellent photomicrographs and some immunofluorescence results. Summary tables are helpful in narrowing down diagnoses. These authors favor the "east coast" view of malignant melanoma, e.g., indicating that lentigo maligna has an atrophic epidermis with large atypical cells at the dermal epidermal junction. Farrahi et al. J Cutan Pathol 2005 Jul 32(6 405-12) showed the variation in patterns in lentigo maligna which may closely mimic dysplastic nevus. The authors add SAMPUS (superficial atypical melanocytic proliferation of uncertain significance), which is a concept not supported throughout the dermatopathologic community. This book would be very useful to practicing pathologists and medical students who wish to quickly grasp the essence of the problem with some histopathologic diagnoses. The illustrations are very helpful in this regard. This second edition, coming after an eight-year hiatus, includes many new positive additions. The most likely competitor would be Practical Dermatopathology, Rapini (Elsevier, 2005). Rapini does not include clinical photographs, but does have excellent photomicrographs and extensive tables. Weighted Numerical Score: 97 - 5 Stars!
