PROPOSED MECHANISM FOR BREAST CANCER METASTASIS: THE PIERCING AND SUCTIONING OF CANCER CELLS MATERIAL INTO THE INTERCELLULAR SPACE DURING CRYSTALLIZATION

The purpose of this manuscript is to introduce a hypothesis correlating the process of hydroxyapatite crystallization as a factor allowing for the transfer of intracellular breast cancer matter into the intercellular space by rupturing cellular outer membranes. In addition, this matter could also be transferred into the lymphatic system to be disseminated, thus metastasis. The hypothesis is supported by published in vitro experiments where during crystallization lipid cells are being ruptured by advancing crystals. As fluid evaporates during crystallization, a Backwards Suction (BS) phenomenon of cells and debris has been also documented to occur during crystals formation of the anisotropic Potassium Ferricyanide when within approximately 1 mm of human tissue. This BS during crystals formation is herein hypothesized to be a mechanism dislodging tissue in type II ductal fragile malignant breast cancer tissue. The cellular material would then be pierced by the crystals and suctioned by the lymphatic circulation with its consequences.