Management of breast disease | |
Breast disease. Douglas J Marchant. Philadelphia: WB Saunders 1997 (xvi+285 pp.). ISBN 0-7216-6429-6. |
Douglas Marchant, Emeritus
Professor of Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology at Tuft's University, Boston, Massachusetts, displays in this clearly written book a lifetime interest in all aspects of breast disease - in particular, patient management. Where necessary he has used coauthors acknowledged as experts in their area. Although primarily directed at the American primary care physician, this comprehensive overview of breast disease in current clinical practice is very relevant to the Australian scene. It should appeal to medical students and general practitioners, and would be a useful guide for practitioners with a specific interest in women's health issues, as well as trainees and practising surgeons. The first part of the book is devoted to benign breast diseases, and clearly outlines the presentation, pathology and management of such common conditions as fibrocystic change, nipple discharge and breast pain. There is also an informative section on breastfeeding and its common problems. The early investigation and management of patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic breast abnormalities is clearly outlined, as is the role of diagnostic and screening mammography. An instructional series of clear mammograms is presented. The second part of the book deals with the diagnosis and management of breast cancer and includes a particularly well written chapter on ductal carcinoma in situ and its management. The recent changes in the management of breast cancer, in particular the current surgical options of breast preservation and axillary dissection combined with radiotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy, are clearly described. A highlight of the book is the chapter on medicolegal issues related to breast disease; this focuses on common mistakes and ways of avoiding them, rather than on the practise of defensive medicine. I would recommend this book to all with an interest in breast disease. John P Collins
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