[Human tumour banks: imperative in medicine]

A tumour bank is a consequence of the modern medicine to follow the knowledge of bio-pathology of pre-neoplastic and neoplastic diseases in order to define diagnostic criteria and accurate therapy. It can be an independent unit but it should depend on a real or virtual net in the country or in connection between different states. The informed agreement of the patient and law are integrally followed according with each country legislation and medical ethics is never overtaken for the accomplishment of diagnosis in the departments of pathology. A tumour bank works in the department of pathology, depends on trained technicians and pathologists and requires specific equipment for the different types of re-collecting, after dealing with confidentiality and law determinations. There are already some tumour bank nets in Europe (Spain, Croatia, Holland, UK, Germany) and Portugal is starting now its way.