Ebook: Atlas of Exocrine Pancreatic Tumors: Morphology, Biology, and Diagnosis with an International Guide for Tumor Classification

The classification of tumors is important for understanding tumor histogenesis, for predicting prognosis, for differential diagnosis, and for recommending appropriate therapy. Since 1836, when pancreatic cancer was first described, progress has been made in pancreatic cancer morphology, and a number of classifications have been proposed. All of these classifications are mainly based on morphological characteristics. Some are too detailed to be of practical use while others are more pragmatic. Some of the inherent problems in the previous classifications included difficulties in obtaining an adequate number of pan­ creatic tumors for examination and insufficient clinical data and follow-up. With the increasing incidence of pancreatic cancer in many parts of the world during the past six decades, and with the availability of more tumors to patho­ logists, advances have been made in pancreatic tumor studies. Classifications by Cubilla and Fitzgerald and by Kloppel, which are generally similar, mostly considered prominent morphological features and their histogenesis. These pathology-oriented classifications, although complete, were not practical from the standpoint of clinicians concerned with the prognosis of individual tumors.

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This atlas consists of an interdisciplinary survey of all aspects of exocrine pancreatic cancer, including gross and microscopic appearance, differential diagnosis, and the immunological and molecular biological characteristics of pancreatic tumors. In addition to investigating the relationship between tumor morphology and molecular biology, clinical observations, and prognosis, this book offers pointers on the use of modern biotechnology in histopathological research. Since major sections of the studies compiled in this volume cover new ground, it will serve as an invaluable reference work for researchers, clinical practitioners, and students in the fields of gastroenterology, oncology, and histopathology.