Micrometastasis

Of a micrometastasis is when a cell cluster has reached a size of 0.2 mm to 2, which is a criterion for a malignant tumor is through the invasive growth behavior. This means that the tumor crosses organ boundaries as it grows. Blood and lymph vessels are then also infiltrated. In this way, tumor cells settle, they disseminate. (Dissemination = sowing / spreading) These disseminated tumor cells (DTZ) are then z. B. immunochemically detectable in a lymph node. DTZs can be found in the bone marrow via the hematogenous route, where they can also be detected using immunochemical methods.

Importance of DTZ / micrometastases

A metastasis does not develop from every disseminated tumor cell. DTZ are in an inactive state, the G0 phase of the cell cycle . Nevertheless, some mature into metastases and thus significantly influence the prognosis for patient survival. It is not yet clear why some cells develop into metastases, but not others. The presence of micrometastases suggests a less favorable prognosis and therefore influences the therapy concept .

literature

• H.-J. Meyer, HJ Buhr, H. Wilke: Management of gastric and esophageal carcinoma , Springer-Verlag, 2013 ( p. 101 )
• Markus Schricker: The importance of micrometastases in pN0-gestated patients with esophageal carcinoma , Freiburg University Library , 2006

Web links

• Micrometastasis in the lexicon of the Cancer Information Service

This article is about a health issue. It is not used for self-diagnosis and does not replace a diagnosis by a doctor. Please note the information on health issues !