The revised European and American lymphoma (REAL) classification is gaining increasing acceptance throughout the pathological world and the extent to which this has taken place is reflected in this commendable publication, which represents the published Proceedings of a slide seminar organized by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists. The format of the publication also mirrors the concepts of the classification, in that it consists of a series of case reports illustrating lymphoma entities, these being discussed by three leading proponents of the REAL system, and the introduction includes a helpful overview of the concepts underlying its development.
The morphological, immunocytochemical, and genetic aspects of the various disease entities are reviewed in considerable detail and are supplemented by recent key references. Of particular value are the cases which illuminate the 'marginal zone' lymphomas within the broad grouping of mucosaassociated lymphoid tumours, and those relating to the posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders. The only slightly disappointing feature is that the black and white illustrations do not always match in quality the authority of the text. Whilst not all the entities within the REAL system have been covered in this publication, it is none the less surprisedly wide ranging and also includes a useful account of the recent sub-typing of thymic tumours.
There can be no doubt that pathologists, whether or not they have a specific interest in lymphomas, will find this publication an immensely useful and relatively inexpensive way of updating their knowledge of what many regard as a somewhat complex group of tumours. The book is also an expression of the growing transatlantic accord with regard to both the terminology and the cytogenesis of lymphomas: it may well in the future provide a firmer foundation for further progress not only in the diagnosis but also in the treatment of lymphomas. Its presence in most reporting rooms on both sides of the Atlantic is therefore to be justifiably anticipated.