Poorly differentiated

MyPathologyReport
November 2, 2023

In pathology, the term poorly differentiated is used to describe a cancer made up of tumour cells that look very abnormal compared to healthy, non-cancerous cells. Cancer cells can be described as poorly differentiated based on their shape, size, or colour. The degree of differentiation is important because it is used to determine the tumour grade. In most areas of the body, poorly differentiated tumours are considered high grade. In contrast, well differentiated and moderately differentiated tumours are considered low grade. Compared to low grade tumours, high grade tumours tend to be more aggressive, are more likely to metastasize (spread) to lymph nodes and other parts of the body, and are associated with worse prognosis. Pathologists make this diagnosis after examining tissue under a microscope.

Related articles on MyPathologyReport

Well differentiated

Undifferentiated

Grade

About this article

This article was written by doctors to help you read and understand your pathology report. Contact us if you have questions about this article or your pathology report. For a complete introduction to your pathology report, read this article.

Other helpful resources

Atlas of pathology