Introduction

Abstract

Do we need another textbook? Yes-this is an area that has been neglected and we believe we fill a void. It is not easy to find this kind of information in the standard textbooks. Rare conditions generally attract a disproportionate amount of interest compared to their rarity. Perhaps this is because unusual cases generate additional interest and also reflects the fact that for many of us, this presents a distraction from the humdrum of routine care where we are forced to think and seek out information. Rare editions of books, art or music attract collectors, perhaps for the same reasons. Nevertheless it is important when we are dealing with rare and uncommon disorders that we apply the highest standards. Many would argue that because of their rarity these conditions should be looked after by specialist teams. This allows a smaller number of expert teams to develop real expertise in this field. Furthermore, it would seem sensible to propose that there is a degree of centralisation of care for these conditions. Protocols for shared care may be developed in parallel and there are good examples available to follow such as in gestational trophoblastic tumours. © 2011 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.