The document discusses the process of tumor invasion and metastasis. It describes how tumor cells must go through a series of steps called the metastatic cascade to break away from the primary tumor and form secondary tumors elsewhere. This involves invasion of the extracellular matrix and vascular dissemination. The key steps of ECM invasion are: 1) changes in cell adhesion, 2) degradation of the ECM, 3) attachment to novel ECM components, and 4) migration of tumor cells through active proteolysis and locomotion. Genetic changes can cause variations in metastatic potential between cancer types by promoting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition or affecting signaling pathways. Tumors can spread via lymphatics, direct seeding of body cavities,