Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma by C. Andrew van Hasselt and Alan G. Glibb

"This book encompasses the entire scope of knowledge concerning nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). It is an update of the 1991 edition utilizing algorithms, diagrams, and photographs - both clinical and radiographic - and extensive references and tables. The purpose, according to the editors, is to advance the study of NPC so as to increase awareness and ultimately achieve earlier diagnosis and improve treatment. As NPC is indeed "a poorly understood neoplasm", these are certainly worthy objectives, especially to those practitioners in the Far East where the disease is endemic. The editors more than meet their objectives. This text is written for clinicians, therapists, and investigators, according to the editors. I agree, although I believe specifically otolaryngologists, head and neck surgeons, and medical and radiation oncologists would benefit most. The editors' and contributors' credentials are impeccable, and they are authorities as displayed by the overall excellence of the text. All aspects of NPC are covered, from the history of the disease and anatomy and development, to all modalities of treatment and screening. Few editors have proven to be as successful in covering a subject matter to thoroughly as those of this text. The tables, photographs, and photomicrographs are certainly of great utility, but the book's greatest strength is in the editor's single-mindedness of purpose. They also propose a new stage classification for NPC. Because of this overwhelming strength, the book defies any major criticism and no serious weaknesses are evident. The concept of attacking a single subject and conquering it is attractive in medicine but is rarely realised due to a variety of factors. This book is the seminal work in this area as there are no other works nearly as complete. The need exists to update classification with additional information on treatment modalities.2 - Reviewed by George A. Melnik, MD of the Northwestern University Medical School on the Doody Publishing Website (www.doody.com)