Two distinguished surgical oncologists, Bland and Copeland, have produced a splendid second edition. This publication is timely. They have combined the efforts of 4 associate editors (Nancy Davidson, Nancy Mendenhall, David Page, and Edward Wilkinson) and energized the expertise of 148 authors and their contributions into 94 chapters and 24 sections. The design and approach appropriately reflects the research of the last decade and a monumental literary effort.
The multidisciplinary nature of breast diseases is reflected by a stellar group of contributors devoted to this bilateral organ. From ever-expanding diagnostic imaging techniques to controversial treatment patterns and rehabilitation, Bland and Copeland have produced a functional, informational instrument for surgeons and others who treat breast diseases. There are numerous strengths to the second edition: pertinent historical information, controversies related to the therapy of breast cancer, a needed emphasis on benign diseases, emerging genetic research, and biomarkers, all of which are useful information. The title is appropriate (comprehensive). This text is a competent distillation of the thousands of articles that appear each year involving basic science research and clinical studies of the breast.