Il Problema delle Metastasi Tumorali

Abstract

The authors discuss the biological factors concerned with aggressivity and invasivity of tumor cells. They analyse the data of 1000 autopsies performed at the National Cancer Institute and describe the percentage of lmphatic and hematic spread and the frequency of metastatic deposits to the different organs. The authors emphasize that metastasizability depends upon hydrodynamic factors of the lymphatic and hematic circulation. The hematic spread can be studies through the schemes of Walther. They discuss the possibility that sarcoma cells can go through the lung filter and they point out the significance of the anastomoses between cavae veins and vertebral veinous (Batson) plexus.