Figure 2: The remodeling of lymphatic vessels influences tumor metastasis. The proximity of the primary tumor to small, plastic and hyperdense initial or capillary vessels is a key parameter that modulates metastatic events. In small vessels the lymphatic endothelium is only anchored to the matrix by filaments and zipper-like cell-cell junctions that favor the entry of tumor cells. Conversely larger lymphatic vessels surrounded by a layer of smooth-muscle cells and adventitia are less prone to sprouting, however they remodel via alternative prostaglandin mediated mechanisms. The combination of various components from the tumor micro-environment, such as fluid pressure, chemokines and growth factor signaling stimulate neo-lymphangiogenesis and remotely prepare a lymphovascular niche in the tumor draining lymph nodes.