In this volume the process of local invasion and the spl~ad cies, myeloid leukemias, histiocytic tumors, eosinophilic is emphasized. Volumes I-VI have already provided know- granulomas, and systemic mastocytosis. ledge pertaining to the importance of tumor invasion and The exploration of local recurrence of neoplasms, and the metastasis in the morbidity and mortality of human neo- relationship of recurrence to tumor dormancy, is reviewed plasms. as it relates to local tumor invasion and progression to The characteristics of local, direct tumor spreading at metastasis. The elucidation of the mechanisms underlying various sites, including head and neck, the coelomic surface, local tumor invasion and tumor recurrence, as well as those and neuroendocrine tumors are presented.Emphasis is maintaining tumor dormancy oflocal neoplasms or dissemi- placed on the spreading of neoplasm by implantation on nated micrometastases, will not only lead to advances in the epithelial surfaces, the spread of occult primary malignan- early detection and treatment of primary neoplasms but also cies, and rare types of neoplastic progression, as well as detection and eradication of disseminated metastatic foci. neoplasms of the immune system, the progression of lymphoproliferative disorders and hematologic malignan- Series Editor Volume Editor Hans E. Kaiser Kenneth W. Brunson Vll ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Inspiration and encouragement for this wide ranging project on cancer distribution and dissemination from a comparative biological and clinical point of view, was given by my late friend E. H. Krokowski.