Grading and staging systems

Grading and staging are methods doctors use to assess cancer. Grading describes how abnormal the cancer cells look and how quickly they are likely to grow, helping predict aggressiveness. Staging determines the size and extent of the cancer, including whether it has spread to nearby tissues or distant parts of the body. These systems help organize the cancer’s characteristics, guiding treatment decisions and providing insight into prognosis. While grading focuses on cell appearance and behavior, staging assesses the overall extent of the disease. Both are essential tools for creating personalized treatment plans.