Cancer Staging and Grading-Topic Overview
Cancer Staging and Grading Guide
Tumor cells that look like normal cells are called grade 1 tumors. They usually grow slowly.
A grade 4 tumor, on the other hand, has cells that look very different from normal cells. Grade 4 tumors often grow quickly and spread rapidly.
For certain types of cancer, doctors use other grading methods. For example, in prostate cancer, the doctor gives the cancer a Gleason score. Prostate cancer cells that have a low Gleason score grow more slowly than cells that have a higher score.
Breast cancer and kidney cancer also use other grading methods.
Cancer Staging and Grading - Topic Overview
Cancer Staging and Grading Guide
Tumor grades continued...
Tumor cells that look like normal cells are called grade 1 tumors. They usually grow slowly.
A grade 4 tumor, on the other hand, has cells that look very different from normal cells. Grade 4 tumors often grow quickly and spread rapidly.
For certain types of cancer, doctors use other grading methods. For example, in prostate cancer, the doctor gives the cancer a Gleason score. Prostate cancer cells that have a low Gleason score grow more slowly than cells that have a higher score.
Breast cancer and kidney cancer also use other grading methods.
What tests are used to find a cancer's stage and grade?
- Physical exams. For some cancers, looking at or feeling the body part involved can give doctors information about how far a cancer has advanced.
- Imaging tests. Tests that help doctors look inside the body to find tumors include:
- BiopsyBiopsy. This procedure-to collect tissue samples-can help doctors decide the stage or the grade of cancer. It can sometimes be done in the doctor's office.
- Surgery. Sometimes doctors use surgery to view the tumor as well as collect tissue samples.
SHARE
![Pediatric Supportive Care (PDQ®): Supportive care - Patient Information [NCI]-Overview](https://cdnus.oss-us-west-1.aliyuncs.com/libs/images/NewsJpg/cate_6/072_215x160.jpg)
