Diagnostic Histochemistry

Pathology is an inherently subjective discipline, and therefore is often referred to as both an art and a science. Over the years, laboratory physicians have implemented special tissue stains and molecular techniques to limit subjectivity in the discipline. Beginning in the late 19th century, histochemical stains were developed to assess diagnostic biochemical reactions in tissue. Histochemistry has recently seen a resurgence in popularity because of the higher costs of other newer methods. Today, this technique is used by almost every pathology laboratory across the world.
This book comprehensively covers all diseases for which that technique plays a central role in diagnosis. Every anatomic region is covered in detail with examples of appropriate staining techniques, and the book is heavily illustrated with over 850 color photomicrographs. This is the first monograph to be published on histochemistry in 15 years, and it is the only one that is diagnostically–oriented.

This is the first text on diagnostic histochemistry published in 15 years and is illustrated with over 850 color photomicrographs.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Valerie L. Ng, PhD MD(Alameda County Medical Center/Highland Hospital)
Description:This is exactly what the title promises -- a comprehensive book on diagnostic histochemistry.
Purpose:The purpose is to describe the biochemical bases of histochemistry staining, how histochemistry techniques can be used in daily pathology practice, what information is provided, and case-based applications. The editor clearly states that with the increasing use of automation for tissue processing and staining, this knowledge is being lost among pathologists. The purpose of this book is to educate and/or remind pathologists of the clinical usefulness of histochemistry. These are worthy objectives as histochemistry still plays a major role in diagnostic pathology. This book nicely meets the stated objectives.
Audience:The book is intended for "young pathologists" (i.e., those in training). It would be very useful, however, for "older pathologists" as a good refresher. It would also appeal to experienced histotechnologists who perform such stains and want further education as to why special stains are still used. The editor and many of the chapter authors are internationally recognized experts in diagnostic pathology.
Features:This book is stunningly beautiful. It achieves its purpose of demonstrating the use of histochemical stains for clinical diagnosis and patient management. The photomicrographs are absolutely superb. The color reproduction is accurate and spot-on. The extensive array of diseases represented in this book and photomicrographs is truly impressive. Part of the reason for this book was to educate pathology residents and fellows on the use of histochemistry in pathology. In this regard, the first chapter is invaluable in discussing correct basic tissue handling and processing principles, and demonstrating known artifacts when correct procedures are not followed. In the chapter on hematopathology, although I very much enjoyed the photomicrographs, I must admit I was confused as to why the French-American-British (FAB) classification of acute leukemias -- published in 1976 -- was presented when most hematopathology practices have moved to the WHO classification scheme published in 2001 and about to be updated and revised in 2009. And while I appreciated the case studies and emphasis of histochemistry in assisting with diagnosis, I must admit feeling that this chapter was outdated given the necessary but not discussed role of immunophenotyping and genetic testing in addition to histochemistry for current hematopathology practice. Finally, one minor gripe. Abbreviations are used too frequently throughout this book and are most glaring in the figure legends. Readers have to search through the book, sometimes in a different chapter, to find the corresponding definition.
Assessment:This is a nice book to have handy as reference for knowing which stain is useful for which disease, and how to interpret the staining when you get the stained slide back. However, readers should be aware that this book addresses only one of many different technologies needed for current pathological diagnosis.

Mark R. Wick, MD is Professor of Pathology and Associate Director of Surgical Pathology at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville. He received his undergraduate education at Carroll University (Waukesha, WI), his medical degree at the University of Wisconsin (Madison, WI), and his anatomic and clinical pathology residency training at the Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation (Rochester, MN). He has served on the pathology faculties at the Mayo Medical School (Rochester, MN), the University of Minnesota (Minneapolis, MN) and Washington University (St Louis, MO), and has made contributions to the specialty of pathology as an investigator, practitioner, educator and mentor. Dr Wick is a physician who has continued to practice as a general anatomic pathologist and yet has developed expertise in several subspecialty areas of pathology. Immunohistochemistry, dermatopathology, thoracic pathology and soft tissue pathology are his particular interests.