The Pathology of Tumours of the Nervous System [antikvár]

PREFACE It was originally planned that the late Dr. J. G. Greenfield should edit the present volume as well as its companion, Neuropathology, published in April, 1958. The latter purposely excluded the neoplasms of the nervous system. But in February, 1956, Dr. Greenfield intimated to the senior author that he would be unable to accomplish both tasks, and our plans had therefore to be recast. As originally conceived, the treatment of tumours here includes those involving the peripheral as well as the central nervous system. Hence the present volume covers a wider field topographically than the recent important publications of Professor Folke Henschen (1955) in the Lubarsch-Henke Handbuch der speziellen pathologischen Anatomie und Histologie, and of Professor K. J. Ziilch (1956) in the Handbuch der Neurochirurgie. But, in distinction from the latter work, we have interpreted "Tumours" on a more strictly neoplastic basis and have therefore excluded those of granulomatous and parasitic kinds. These have already been described in Dr. Greenfield's volume. On the other hand we have given considerable space to a variety of tumour-like abnormalities which, though inherently of maldevelopmental nature, are too closely allied to the true neoplasms to be disregarded. We cannot, within their own fields, compete with the fuller texts of Henschen and Ziilch, which, with their comprehensive bibliographies of the earlier literature and wealth of excellent illustrations, remain indispensable works of reference to those needing fuller information. But the march of time constantly brings new facts to light in the current journals. We have therefore sought to bring all aspects of our study fully up to date, to emphasise the more important biological aspects of the various abnormalities discussed, and to face existing difficulties of interpretation as frankly as possible. The reader may detect a strong bias in the treatment of certain controversial topics ; for this no apology can be offered, since the views expressed are the outcome of convictions based upon personal study and experience. Though sincerity must dictate this course the conflicting views of other authorities are not neglected. The departmental work provided by a large general teaching hospital has given us many opportunities of observing small and clinically silent tumours as chance findings at necropsy. These are often of peculiar value in illuminating problems of topographical origin and of histology. We have made full use of such material in our descriptions. We hope that this volume will be of service not only to practising pathologists but to postgraduate students, neurologists and neurosurgeons. With this design many of the rarer and more difficult tumours have received lengthier treatment than is to be found in the shorter texts. In the spirit of this work we have considered it desirable to include a chapter on the tissue-culture of the tumours of the nervous system, and we have been fortunate in obtaining the help of Professor C. E. Lumsden, whose researches in this field are widely known. His chapter reflects the essentially cytological approach of tissue-culture workers which provides a wide range of intrinsic interests and sometimes leads to provocative interpretations. The in vitro study of tumours is still in its infancy and it may reasonably be anticipated that, with further progress and the investigation of forms as yet untested by the method of tissue-culture, our understanding of their cytogenesis and appropriate classification will be improved, especially in the difficult glioma group.