Imaging in Oncology, 2ndedition J Husband & R Reznek Taylor & Francis 1-84184-421-7 2004 GBP 300.00 1648 pages, 100 b + w and 100 color illustrations The first impression reading this edition is: Absolutely fantastic! It has a handy use of colours and has a systematic and clear construction.
The book is divided in nine parts: General principles, primary tumour evaluation and staging, haematological malignancy, paediatrics, metastases, imaging and treatment, effects of treatment on normal tissue, the immunocompromised patient and new horizons in imaging. The part concerning primary tumour evaluation and staging is divided in chapters based on disease. Each chapter includes a short introduction and relevant pathology. The illustrations, e.g. staging systems, are comprehensive and in nice colours. The methods of diagnosis are described thoroughly according to degree of relevance for the disease, and even technical details are well described. As new imaging modalities, PET and PET/CT are represented in almost every chapter with beautiful images and relevant references, and the methods are implemented in the diagnostic work-up recommendations. Surprisingly, the part concerning haematological malignancy has very little PET included.
The relevance of discussing treatment options can be questioned in a textbook on imaging, although it is an interesting supplement.
The last chapter is dedicated to new horizons in oncology- not only in imaging but also in treatment options, another interesting supplement.
We would recommend this textbook to be found in every department of radiology and every PET unit. It can be used as a reference book and also for more advanced studies. It is useful for the untrained younger fellow as well as the specialist. Certainly even a clinician would find it interesting! Anne Kiil Berthelsenand Annika Loft The PET and Cyclotron Unit Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark