What does the "grade" assigned to a tumor indicate?

The grade assigned to a tumor is a crucial indicator of how aggressive the tumor is, and this is based on microscopic features. Tumor grading assesses the appearance of cancer cells when viewed under a microscope, giving insight into how closely the cancer cells resemble normal cells. A high-grade tumor generally indicates more abnormal and poorly differentiated cells that tend to grow and divide more rapidly, suggesting a more aggressive behavior. Conversely, a low-grade tumor usually consists of cells that appear more normal and are likely to grow more slowly.

This grading system is important for determining the prognosis and potential treatment strategies. It helps clinicians predict how likely the cancer is to spread and how well it may respond to various treatments. Understanding tumor grade is essential for effective patient management and planning appropriate therapeutic interventions.