Читать книгу The Cancer Directory - Dr. Daniel Rosy - Страница 89

The grade of a cancer, determined by the pathologist by looking at the cancer cells through a microscope, is also useful in predicting the outcome of a cancer. A high-grade tumour contains very abnormal cells, which have mutated greatly, grown rapidly and often spread throughout the body. This is also referred to as ‘poorly differentiated’. At the other end of the spectrum are low-grade tumours, which can look similar to the tissue from which they have been derived and are referred to as ‘well differentiated’. Such tumours grow more slowly and are less likely to spread quickly. The outlook is usually better for low-grade tumours, but there is a paradox. High-grade aggressive tumours are often more sensitive to chemotherapy as the chemicals work best against the most rapidly dividing cells in the body. Unfortunately though, rapidly growing cells can continue to evolve and can become resistant to specific drugs rather rapidly, too.

It is also possible to have varying opinions as to the grade of a tumour among pathologists. So, if you are in any doubt, or the pathology seems uncertain, ask for a second opinion from another pathologist.