[ PRINT ]
Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute
"Confronting Cancer Through Art" is an exhibition by people whose lives have been touched by cancer.
This week's artwork was donated
by
a pediatric cancer patient
who received treatment for cancer
at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
|
OncoLink FAQ: "Nuclear Grade" and "Stage"![]() Last Revision Date: Sunday, 14-Feb-1999 13:54:29 EST
Copyright © 1994-1999, The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania
This is a response to a question about the difference between "nuclear grade" and "stage".
Question: I had a simple mastectomy for ductal carcinoma in situ, comedo type, nuclear grade III. I would like information regarding "nuclear grade" and "stage". What is the relationship between these terms? What IS nuclear grade, and how is it determined? Thank you. Kenneth Blank, MD, and John Han-Chih Chang, MD, Editorial Assistants for Oncolink, respond: Thank you for your question. Stage and grade are distinct terms, which have no relation. Stage is based on the tumor size and whether or not the lymph nodes are involved by tumor. For example, Stage 1 breast tumors must be under 3cm in size and have no involved lymph nodes. The tumor grade is determined by the tumor cells' appearance under the microscope (how closely a tumor resembles normal tissue of its same type). If the tumor cells look like normal cells the tumor is termed Low Grade. High grade cells look markedly different from normal cells. The same rules apply to the appearance of the cells' nucleus. High Grade tumors tend to behave more aggressively. |
![]() |
GENERAL DISCLAIMER OncoLink is designed for educational purposes only and is not engaged in rendering medical advice or professional services. The information provided through OncoLink should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your health care provider. |
For further information, consult the Editors at: editors@oncolink.upenn.edu |