Preface.-  Homeostasis -- Cell cultures -- Loss of homeostasis -- Tumor development -- Metastasis -- References -- Abbreviations.

Human homeostasis refers to complex interactions to regulate and maintain the internal conditions of the organism under stable condition. In spite of the progress made on cell growth and division, the circuits that coordinate these processes and maintain the homeostatic balance between cell growth and cell death have not been clarified. Deregulation of homeostatic processes results in different forms of imbalances that can turn to diseases including hepatitis, cyrrhosis and tumor formation. Abnormal growth of tissues can lead to a broad spectrum of neoplastic diseases from tissue swelling, primary tumor formation, cancer and ultimately to secondary tumors known as metastases. Tumor formation is a complex process, that develops through many steps. The discussion of balance and its loss in cell growth, primary and secondary tumor formation necessitate basic information in chemistry (carcinogenesis), biochemistry (metabolism), physics (instrumentation), cell biology (compartments), anatomy, physiology, clinical experience (screening, medical imaging, therapy). The focus of this book has been placed on: a) balance of cell growth, b) tumor formation, c) development of cancer and metastasis, e) diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The steps of the lymphatic type of metastatic tumor spread are described. Due to the interdisciplinary nature, the book gives information for a wide audience including biology, biotechnology, molecular, ecology, medical, pharmacist, chemist students. Additional information is provided for biomedical, pharma, medical and life scientists, physicians and health care professionals.