Tumor Formation

Malignant cells have a unique ability to break off from the mother tumor, float through the blood stream or lymphatics, get stuck somewhere, and not die. In fact they can survive quite well and continue to divide forming a new tumor mass [metastasis]. Then they have this nasty ability to produce a sort of hormone that causes blood vessels to grow to it thereby ensuring their continued survival. Sneaky little suckers. The good news is that some of our newer 'targeted' therapies take advantage of this ability and are effective at killing some of these tumors. Not the most scientific answer but hope this helps. Malignant cells have a unique ability to break off from the mother tumor, float through the blood stream or lymphatics, get stuck somewhere, and not die. In fact they can survive quite well and continue to divide forming a new tumor mass [metastasis]. Then they have this nasty ability to produce a sort of hormone that causes blood vessels to grow to it thereby ensuring their continued survival. Sneaky little suckers. The good news is that some of our newer 'targeted' therapies take advantage of this ability and are effective at killing some of these tumors. Not the most scientific answer but hope this helps.