In pathology, the term low grade describes cells that look abnormal under the microscope but still share some features with normal, healthy cells. To determine if cells are low grade, pathologists compare them to the normal cells typically found in the same part of the body. Low grade is different from high grade, which describes cells that look very abnormal and are often more aggressive in their behavior. The term low grade can apply to cells in both precancerous conditions and cancers. It is also used to describe many types of tumours.
Does low grade mean benign?
No, low grade does not mean benign. A benign tumour is noncancerous, but the term can describe both benign and malignant (cancerous) tumours. While some benign tumours are classified as low grade because of their relatively normal appearance and behavior, the term low grade is also used to describe less aggressive cancerous tumours.
Does low grade mean cancer?
The term low grade is used to describe both cancerous and precancerous conditions. For cancer, terms like carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, or sarcoma are often included in the diagnosis to specify the type of cancer.
In precancerous conditions, low-grade refers to abnormal cells that still resemble normal cells and have a relatively low risk of becoming cancer over time. An example is low grade dysplasia, which refers to abnormal cells in the lining of organs such as the esophagus, stomach, or colon.
Does low grade mean precancerous?
Low grade is frequently used to describe precancerous conditions, but it can also apply to cancerous tumours. In precancerous conditions, the term is often paired with dysplasia, which refers to abnormal cell growth. Low grade dysplasia typically involves the cells that line the inside or outside surface of tissues and is commonly seen in areas like the esophagus, stomach, and colon.
Examples of low grade precancerous conditions include:
- Low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL), often seen in the cervix.
- Low grade ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast refers to precancerous changes in the ducts.
What does low grade mean in a cancer report?
In a cancer report, low grade describes cancerous cells that look abnormal but still retain some features of normal cells. Low grade cancers generally behave less aggressively than high grade cancers. They tend to grow more slowly and are less likely to metastasize (spread) to other parts of the body. While low grade cancers are often associated with a better prognosis, they still require appropriate medical evaluation and treatment.
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