Book excerpt: In covering the topic of gynecologic and obstetric pathology, this book attempts to carve out its own niche midway between an atlas and a traditional textbook. The gross and microscopic images in this atlas are presented exclusively in color, and are supplemented by pertinent clinical information and discussions of differential diagnostic considerations. When deemed appropriate, images of immunohistochemical and special stains are included. To further enhance their visual appeal and the overall learning experience, many images in this book are presented with annotations and/or in composite form, and selected images have been enlarged. This image-intensive textbook also includes numerous Pap smear images and cytologic-histologic correlations. In addition to coverage of pathology of the organs of the female genital tract, brief overviews of the normal histology of these sites are provided as necessary background information. Separate chapters are also devoted to placental and peritoneal pathology. There is an emphasis on diagnostic-related issues pertaining to common lesions and their variants, although classic forms of rare lesions are also presented. In selected instances, recommendations on the processing of gross pathology specimens, discussions regarding the optimal approach for intraoperative consultations, and recommendations on the phrasing of key portions of pathology reports are provided. The 10 chapters of this book are organized by site, and the beginning of each chapter lists the entities discussed and their corresponding page numbers.