differentiation
The degree to which cancer cells resemble normal cells of the same tissue type.
Full Definition
Differentiation in oncology refers to how closely cancer cells morphologically and functionally resemble their normal counterparts. Well-differentiated tumors closely resemble normal tissue and generally have better prognoses, while poorly differentiated or undifferentiated tumors show little resemblance to normal tissue and tend to be more aggressive. This characteristic is typically graded as well-differentiated, moderately differentiated, or poorly differentiated. Differentiation status influences treatment decisions and prognosis prediction. Pathology reports must clearly specify differentiation grade as it affects staging and therapeutic planning.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify the degree of differentiation (well, moderate, poor) in pathology documentation.
In Context
- "The tumor showed moderate differentiation with glandular architecture preserved." — Pathology report
- "Poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma carries a worse prognosis than well-differentiated tumors." — Treatment planning note