Reviews

“This is the sixth edition of a classic pocket-sized manual that has been used by
generations of surgeons and trainees. The book is unique in its coverage and
authorship -- it is written by surgical oncology fellows at MD Anderson Cancer
Center, with faculty surgeon coauthorship. It is thus a book by trainees for
trainees. Rapid advances in treatment of malignancies and a complete revision
in the AJCC staging system amply justify this new edition. This edition
includes access to an electronic version of the book.
The book "focuses on multidisciplinary, cooperative approaches to issues
confronting the surgical oncologist." It also serves to collate the MD Anderson
"philosophies and practices regarding the surgical treatment of cancer into an
organized literary publication." It is heavy on management and does not delve
into basic science concepts except when necessary to explain therapeutic
strategies. The emphasis throughout is on surgical treatment in the context of
modern interdisciplinary care.
It is said to be "ideal for surgical residents, medical students facing a
surgical/oncology rotation, and practicing surgeons." Trainees will appreciate
the organization by tumors/sites and the concise algorithm-rich presentation.
Practicing surgeons will find it an excellent compact reference for uncommon
malignancies. This is clearly a labor of love for the fellows, and the
authority of their faculty coauthors is undeniable.
The book consists of 20 site/tumor-specific chapters and five final chapters on
special problems (such as "Surgical Emergencies in Cancer Patients," and
"Cancer of Unknown Primary Site"). The book leads off with two
chapters on Breast - Non-invasive and Invasive tumors. The electronic version
essentially duplicates the print version, but incorporates the usual robust
search functions characteristic of such formats and allows portability.
There is no comparable title. Surgeons and trainees wanting a concise book that
covers common and rare malignancies will find this new edition lives up to the
promise of the first edition.”
Weighted Numerical Score: 86 - 3 Stars
Doodys Publishers' Club, June 2018