Author Description

Many malignant tumors have a morphologically recognizable precursor lesion. As screening and early detection have improved our ability to detect lesions at increasingly earlier stages of growth, an increased number of precancerous lesions are seen by pathologists. Unfortunately, a lack of uniform histologic criteria for precursors found in many organs can make diagnostic interpretation difficult. It is evident that physicians are seeking a better understanding of the genesis and progression of these lesions and their early biology, to provide optimal treatment and patient care.Pathology of Incipient Neoplasia 3E brings together all of the information available on the clinicopathologic features of precancerous lesions, defined to include atypical hyperplasias, in-situ changes, microinvasive or very small cancers in some sites, and other lesions recognized as potential precursors for invasive cancer. In some tissues, benign tumors may serve as precursors to malignant tumors, and therefore these also are considered.Organized by organ, each heavily-illustrated chapter is written by a well-recognized expert, to stress different facets of preneoplasia and minimally invasive tumors in that given tissue. Areas where strides have been made in research on molecular biologic aspects of neoplasia are discussed in conjunction with morphologic parameters. A chapter on salivary glands, and more than 350 color photos interspersed throughout the text, are new to this edition.