Conheim's Theory

Cohnheim's theory was proposed by the German pathologist Julius Friedrich Cohnheim (J. F. Cohnheim) at the end of the 19th century. This theory explains the origin of cancerous tumors.

According to Conheim, cancer cells arise from embryonic cells that remain in the body after fetal development. These cells are called embryonic remnants. They are usually in an inactive state, but under certain conditions they can become activated and begin to divide uncontrollably, forming a tumor.

Conheim believed that embryonic remains are not located randomly in the body, but in strictly defined places. This is why tumors most often occur in certain organs and tissues.

Conheim's theory explained many features of cancer tumors, such as their metastasis and invasive growth. However, it later became clear that it cannot explain all aspects of carcinogenesis. However, the concept of embryonic remnants still plays a role in oncology.