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Health Information and Tools >  Stage and grade of cancer

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Stage and grade of cancer

The stage and grade of a cancer are ways to measure the cancer. When cancer is diagnosed, the stage and grade of a person's cancer helps doctors know what treatment to use. They also help predict how long the person will survive or whether there is a good chance for a cure.

The stage describes how much cancer is in the body and where it is located. If the cancer has spread, the stage will also show how far it has spread.

The grade describes how tumour cells look under a microscope compared to cells from healthy tissue near the tumour. The tumour grade helps predict how quickly the cancer will grow and spread.

Current as of: October 25, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

Current as of: October 25, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.