Book excerpt: This edition stresses not just the diagnostic cytological features of the various conditions encountered, but also the diagnostic pitfalls and the grey areas between so as to enable the reader to give more evidence-based reports. In recognition of their rapid expansion, there are new chapters on recent technological developments and on the cytodiagnosis of childhood tumours. A special section on the importance of multidisciplinary team meetings that include the cytopathologist as a core member of the team has also been included at the end of each chapter. As active members of this team, cytopathologists can define their role in the management pathway and thus bring the patient and the microscope together as never before. The full text can be accessed online and images downloaded via Expert Consult.