摘要

We develop a 2-D discrete model to simulate malignant cells growing in healthy tissues using a thermodynamic method on the basis of Potts model. After introducing a malignant seed in a healthy tissue, we use a set of adjustment factors, including the interaction between cells and nutrient, to simulate the growth of malignant cells under different environments. This allows us to investigate the effects of environment on malignant cell growth and the formation of cancer.