[Hemostatic mechanisms and malignant tumors]

Abstract

The mutual relationships between malignant tumours and mechanisms of blood coagulation are presented in a brief survey. In this connection, the mechanisms of a tumour cell entering the circulation through the vessel well and its leaving into the tissues are discussed, the theory of microtrauma being used for explaining these processes. Subsequently, the alterations to be found in the count and function of thrombocytes after contact with a malignant cell and the impact on this cell by blood platelets are represented. As a third factor the activation of blood coagulation which is exercised by substances with a procoagulatory effect produced by the malignant tissue and the frequently observed thrombosis in the course of neoplastic diseases are dealt with in connection with blood level changes of some coagulation factors. In a fourth section the significance of fibrinolysis, its activation and inhibition as well as the production of fibrinolytic activators by neoplasms are discussed.