Dermatopathology

Dermatopathology . Daniela Massi. Springer, Germany, 2016. 367pp, price not mentioned. ISBN 978–3–319–30005–4.

Very few books were published on dermatopathology prior to the 1970s. Since then there has been a profusion of books on the subject. Needless to say, this has paralleled the tremendous amount of research done in all aspects of dermatopathology, including publications of varying detail and complexity.

The present book fills a gap in these different types of dermatopathology publications. In keeping with the format of the series, this book is like an encyclopaedia. The authors have covered the entire spectrum of clinical and pathological aspects in considerable detail; thus, the book will be of use to neophytes as well as more experienced clinical and histological diagnosticians.

Dermatopathology, of necessity being a science of extensive description and exuberant nomenclature, has excelled in confusing students of pathology and dermatology by myriad descriptions, terms, appellations and eponyms, more often than not overlapping. In this scenario, such a detailed analysis of some (admittedly a small proportion) of the terms used is welcome. The linkage in each description of clinical and histological feature with differentials, pathogenetic and molecular pathology features indeed fills an important gap. There are adequate illustrations.

Overall, this book is a welcome addition to the dermato-pathology library. The book has a few shortcomings. It could have been many times larger, keeping in view the vastness of the topic. The editor may consider bringing out an addendum. The lack of an index and a list of contents are notable omissions, which would have made navigation easier.