TxNxM1 : the anatomy and clinics of metastatic cancer

Although distant metastases are the most dreaded situation in the evolution of cancer of every organ, the medical literature has surprisingly given little attention to the anatomical relationship between the primary tumor and metastasic sites. Only risk factors, treatment possibilities, and survival results are extensively examined. Stimulated by the occurrence in his practice of some puzzling and unexpected metastases, the author reviewed more than 12,000 references. He looked for anatomical relationships highlighting the relation between the location of the primary tumors and the particular patterns of metastasis observed. It would seem that the 'pathways and flows' are apparently a more decisive factor in the implantation of the metastases than the 'seed and soil' properties of the cancer cells and the metastatic site. Aided by his colleague Dr. T. Geukens, M.D., the author includes original anatomical drawings, illustrating the sometimes unexpected pathways the cancer cells follow in order to reach the organs where they will become lodged and give rise to metastatic tumors. The subject has apparently not been exhausted in the literature and several ideas are given for further research. Doody Review Services Reviewer: Athanassios Argiris, MD(Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine) Description: This eye-catching book deals exclusively with the metastatic spread of malignancy. Each organ that may harbor metastatic malignancy is examined; the author conducts a comprehensive review of all potential primary tumors that metastasize to a particular site (metastasis to). Anatomical and pathological background as well as the clinical presentation of patients with metastatic tumors is covered. In the second part of the book, a reverse analysis is conducted, and each primary tumor site is reviewed for its potential for metastases to various organs (metastatic from). Purpose: The knowledge of metastatic patterns is fundamental to the practice and science of oncology. During his career the author has been intrigued by the metastatic potential of tumors. In this book, he focuses on the incident, symptoms, pathology, diagnosis, and imaging associated with metastatic sites. The goal is to make the clinician aware of all possibilities of metastasis and of the problems that are generated by it. Common as well as unexpected locations of metastatic spread are covered. Audience: The audience for this book can be broad and can encompass any member of the multidisciplinary team involved in the management of cancer. Features: Each chapter contains detailed enumeration of various studies, mainly case series, which have reported the incidence of metastases from or to various sites. The first part of the book concerns organs and sites where tumor cells metastasize, to answer the question, "Where is the primary organ?" when a metastatic focus is identified. Metastatic sites covered include the thoracic, abdominal, and head and neck organs as well as the nervous system, bones, lymph nodes, and others. The second part reviews the metastatic potential of each primary organ asking the question, "Where do tumors metastasize?" This book contains encyclopedic knowledge that maybe useful to clinical oncologists and researchers. Assessment: The book is unique in its concept and content and cannot be easily compared with any available literature. There are some grammatical errors and inconsistencies, and the references are not organized in a user-friendly manner. However, this book, the product of painstaking efforts by a single author, cannot be ignored. This chapter covers the métastases to the lungs, the bronchi (called endobronchial métastases), the pleura, the heart and pericard, the thymus, the diaphragm, and the mediastinal nodes and the breast.