Gland

Anne Orchard — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:45:26 +0000

A gland is an organ or collection of cells that make a substance within the body. If the substance stays within the body, for example in the bloodstream, the gland is known as an endocrine gland. If the substance secreted passes out of the body, like sweat for instance, the gland is known as an exocrine gland.
Examples of glands include sweat glands, ovaries, testes, pancreas, thyroid and so on. Glands produce a wide range of substances including hormones (which regulate many body processes), mucus, sweat, tears and digestive juices.
Tumours which arise in glands are called adenocarcinomas.

Grade

Anne Orchard — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 11:24:09 +0000

Cancer grade is a measure of how abnormal the cancer cells look under a microscope, and gives some indication of how aggressive the cancer is and how likely to spread. This is not to be confused with the stage of the cancer (which indicates how large or extensive it is, or how far it has spread already).
To determine the grade of the cancer a sample of cells, from a biopsy or removed by surgery, are examined by a pathologist.
The range of cancer grading depends on the type of cancer, so a doctor must explain the meaning of the grade score when it is given. The grade will be given as a number or described as low/intermediate/high. Generally speaking the lower the grade score (number) the less aggressive the tumour.
Both cancer grade and stage will be taken into account when deciding on a treatment program.

Back to Cancer Words G

Back to Cancer Words Explained

» Families Facing Cancer – Helping carers to cope with cancer

Gland

Grade