Mechanisms of Metastasis in Colorectal Cancer and Metastatic Organotropism: Hematogenous versus Peritoneal Spread

Figure 1

Invasion-metastasis cascade: local invasion of colorectal cancer cells into surrounding matrix (Step 1), intravasation into circulatory system (blood vessels/lymphatic vessels) (Step 2), systemic transportation (Step 3), extravasation (Step 4), colonization of distant organs (liver/peritoneum) (Step 5).