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.

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