Atlas of Mammography

Ochsner Clinic Foundation, Dana Smetherman, MD -- Although mammography has arguably seen few advances in recent years, continued evolution of breast cancer treatment in general and other aspects of breast imaging make this atlas a worthy update and a useful addition to the literature in this field. The two previous editions were published in 1987 and 1992. The purpose is to acquaint the reader with common patterns of the appearance of normal and abnormal breasts on mammography. Despite advances in breast imaging and newer techniques, mammography remains the mainstay of breast cancer detection and characterization. This book is intended both as a tool for training residents and as a reference for radiologists in practice. Both objectives are met well, particularly the former. The intended audience is predominantly residents in training. Although it is most appropriate for this audience, the atlas would also be useful to radiologists early in practice. As an atlas of mammographic findings, the book appropriately does not attempt to extensively cover other modalities (ultrasound, MRI) used in breast imaging. A focus on the basics (pattern recognition, standardized approach to image viewing and interpretation, analysis of common findings, radiographic technique) is essential in training residents to interpret mammograms and this book illustrates these points superbly. This book's strengths lie in its organized approach to mammographic interpretation, taking the reader step-by-step through image interpretation and evaluation of findings, with excellent images, suggested algorithms for management, and an extensive review of the appearance of common pathologic entities. Although quite comprehensive, the level of the book is fairly basic. This book serves as a wonderful building block in familiarizing radiologists in training with mammographic findings and image analysis. It remains relevant despite the advent of newer breast imaging techniques and will continue to be important as long as mammography is the primary modality for breast cancer detection and diagnosis. However, if the reader already owns a previous edition, it is probably not necessary to purchase this new edition as a replacement. Weighted Numerical Score: 90 - 4 Stars!