The reason I selected Breast Cytopathology is because of the message intertwined within the content of this book. Breast Cytopathology represents my long-standing conviction in advancing knowledge in breast health education, research and patient care. It also demonstrates the expanding role of pathologists in changing from passive interpreters of glass slides into clinicians / scientists.

As the sole author of this book, I highlighted the added value of the use of ‘Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy’ (FNAB) instead of surgical biopsy for the initial evaluation of patients with breast lesions. FNAB is a non-invasive, rapid and cost-effective procedure, which involves only the insertion of a small-bore needle and the analysis of the aspirated samples. Clearly, immediate bedside interpretation reduces the anxiety of patients with benign disease and provides an effective tool for treatment planning for patients with a cancer diagnosis. This is an affordable diagnostic procedure, particularly for countries of limited resources.

In addition, I was able to share my experience using FNAB in breast cancer research. The results of those studies focused on the use of FNAB—for assessment of hormone receptors and as morphologic breast cancer risk predictor—have been the basis of several NCI-supported presurgical chemotherapy and chemoprevention clinical trials.

Breast Cytopathology is regarded as a valuable textbook and has been sold internationally. As I travel across the globe, it has been a heartwarming experience to see this textbook on the shelves of many pathologists and cytopathologists, who often bring it to me to be autographed. This book has given me a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Photo by: Dwight Bennett, Ned Davis & Martine Horrell
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