This book reviews normal thymic structure and covers the histomorphology of benign and malignant tumors and rare lesions of the thymus, with detailed descriptions of over 300 full color photomicrographs accompanied by relevant clinical and radiology photographs and anatomical drawings. It includes chapters on the surgical pathology and cytology of thymic lesions (which is rarely described in the available literature), and all grades and stages of the most common thymic lesions. Written and edited by leading experts on pathology, the book highlights the expanded role of pathologists in patient care for thymic lesions. It will help students to understand thymic cytology and surgical pathology in detail and enable them to answer questions on thymic surgical resections and cytology cases in their pathology post-graduation examination. In addition, the book offers a comprehensive, richly illustrated guide to thymic pathology for clinicians, practicing pathologists, post-graduate residents and students alike.

The mediastinum is a virtual compartment in the chest cavity that is the seat of several vital organs and structures that can be involved in a variety of pathologic processes, including congenital and developmental abnormalities, inflammatory conditions, and benign and malignant neoplasms. The Atlas of Mediastinal Pathology provides a pictorial survey of the major disease processes that can affect this anatomic compartment, including congenital and acquired cysts, benign hamartomatous processes, inflammatory processes involving the mediastinum, and benign and malignant neoplasms. The latter includes tumors of the thymus (thymoma and thymic carcinoma), neuroendocrine neoplasms, germ cell tumors, mesenchymal neoplasms, and hematolymphoid malignancies. The use of ancillary diagnostic methods is illustrated, where appropriate, providing assistance for pathologists in arriving at the correct diagnosis.

The thymus is a gland that over the last two centuries has generated great awareness not only from the anatomical perspective but also for the physiological and pat- logical roles it plays in many disease processes. Prior to the early studies on its th anatomy and physiology in the 18 century, the thymus was believed to perform - usual and curious functions such as purification of the nervous system, providing a protective cushion for the vasculature of the superior mediastinum, fetal nouri- ment, or more spiritual roles such as being the seat of the soul, among others. D- th ing the 19 century important anatomical/physiological studies took place focusing on the role of the thymus in pathological conditions. However, it was not until the th middle of the 19 century that a more comprehensive analysis of the role of the thymic gland and its role in pathogenesis began to emerge. Currently, while the knowledge gained on the diverse aspects of the thymic gland has furthered our understanding of its role in a gamut of processes, more knowledge is still being sought, and by no means is a full understanding of the gland’s physi- ogy and pathology complete. Different aspects, including its purported endocrine function, its association with other autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus erythematosus, among others, are under evaluation and research.

For the 3rd edition of the internationally acclaimed Systemic Pathology series, edited by Prof W St C Symmers, there is now a separate volume covering the endoreticular system. Its author, Professor Henry, is already well-known for the successful 'Colour Atlas of Thymus and Lymph Node Histopathology', and now brings her expertise to add to the wealth of knowledge available in the Systemic Pathology series. This volume comprehensively covers the thymus, lymph nodes and spleen and is essential reading for candidates for the MRCPath. It is highly illustrated to aid diagnostic work and extensively referenced for further reading. Its discursive tone makes it an eminently readable source of expert knowledge. The format is similar to that of previous volumes which has proved attractive and popular, however the content is new and entirely rewritten, offering far more comprehensive coverage of the entire endoreticular system than the two previous editions. New volume in internationally famous and appreciated 'Systemic Pathology' series For the first time a single volume deals with the endoreticular system, allowing far more comprehensive treatment of the subject than previous editions An author who is a known expert in this branch of pathology Familiar and approved format similar to other volumes in the series Highly illustrated - aids diagnostic work Excellently referenced for access to further information