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What does histological grade mean?

Page last modified on: September 26, 2008
Question from Janet: What does histological grade mean?
Answers —Ann Ainsworth, M.D.: The grade of a cancer is a measure of how much the tumor looks like the normal tissue from where it originated. A grade 1, or well-differentiated carcinoma, looks very much like the normal, nearby breast tissue. Grade 2, or moderately differentiated carcinoma, looks less like the normal tissue. Grade 3 show very little similarities to the normal breast ducts or lobules. Grade I carcinomas tend to behave better than grade 2 or 3 carcinomas.
Marisa Weiss, M.D., president and founder: Tumor grade is completely different from tumor stage (as described above). Stage is a measure of the extent of the disease, and grade is a measure of the nature of the cancer—its personality.

On Wednesday, November 17, 2004, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Your Operative and Pathology Reports. Beth Baughman Dupree, M.D., F.A.C.S. and Ann Ainsworth, M.D. answered your questions about details of pathology and operative reports and the importance of discussing them with your doctors.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S.Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a general surgeon. Her clinical practice is located at Holy Redeemer Hospital and St. Mary Medical Center.

Ann Ainsworth, M.D. is a surgical pathologist at Paoli, Bryn Mawr, and Lankenau Hospitals in Pennsylvania.

Marisa Weiss, M.D.Marisa Weiss, M.D., a Philadelphia oncologist, is the founder and president of Breastcancer.org.

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