Interstitial spaces are fluid filled spaces formed by an extracellular matrix of collagen, in stroma and tissue surrounding cells. Scientists are now recognizing the significance and complexity of collagen structures forming the interstitial spaces, and are suggesting interstitial spaces may be a vehicle for cancer metastasis.
Interstitial spaces are pathways to the lymphatics. H-pylori burrows into the epithelium and attaches to collagen, creating a portal for other pathogens to spread deeper into tissue; and H-pylori is a known cause of stomach cancer and MALT lymphoma. H-pylori infects neutrophils that fight H-pylori infection, and changes the form of the neutrophil to become larger and hyper-segmented, appearing similar to cancer. Chlamydia psittacosis lives and spreads in the lymphatic system, is a known cause of lymphoma, and is a likely cause of melanoma. H-pylori, psittacosis, and other immortal pathogens are the most likely cancer causing pathogens that live and spread in interstitial spaces.
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