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A system for classifying cancer cells in terms of how abnormal they appear when examined under a microscope. The point of a grading system is to provide information about the probable growth rate of the cancer and its tendency to spread. The systems used to grade cancers vary with each type of cancer. Grading is important for treatment decisions.

For more information, see Breastcancer.org's page on Cell Grade.

Audio contributed by: Marisa Weiss, M.D.