tumor grade
Histopathological assessment of cancer cell differentiation and aggressiveness based on microscopic appearance.
Full Definition
Tumor grade is a pathological classification system that describes how abnormal cancer cells appear under microscopic examination and how quickly they are likely to grow and spread. In gynecologic oncology, grading typically uses a three-tier system: Grade 1 (well-differentiated, low-grade) tumors closely resemble normal tissue and grow slowly; Grade 2 (moderately differentiated, intermediate-grade) tumors have moderate abnormalities; and Grade 3 (poorly differentiated, high-grade) tumors appear very abnormal and tend to grow and spread rapidly. Tumor grade is distinct from tumor stage and provides important prognostic information that influences treatment decisions.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify grading system used (FIGO, WHO). Distinguish clearly from tumor stage.
In Context
- "The endometrial adenocarcinoma showed FIGO grade 2 differentiation." — Pathology report
- "Higher tumor grade correlates with poorer prognosis in ovarian cancer." — Clinical study