What does Grade 1,2,3, etc mean?

I think the stage is based on the size of the tumor and # of lymph nodes involved. And the grade is the degree of aggressiveness of the tumor cells. But I could be wrong - hopefully some more informed ladies will answer soon. Plus I'm sure in the informational area of this website there are more scientific complete answers.

I do know that Stage and Grade are different things. At least I am sure of that part!

Hi Stacy and welcome! I'm so sorry you had to come here, but this is a great place for support and information. I know what you mean about not wanting to know everything on your path report - everyone's reaction is different. Some people want to know everything, some people want to know only what their doctor thinks they need to know. Sounds like you want to educate yourself slowly, which is fine.

Amy is right about stage being based on the size of the tumor, the number of lymph nodes invovled, and if it has spread outside of the breast. The stage really can't be absolutely determined until after surgery so the size can be assessed accurately and the surgeon can remove lymph node(s) to be tested. Doctors sometimes also order tests like an MRI, CT scan and/or PET scan to determine if the cancer has spread. When all of this is done, they can accurately stage you.

Grade is determined by how different the cancer cells look under a microscope. Grade 1 cells look the most like healthy breast cells, 2 look more different, and 3 cells are the most unlike normal cells. Amy is right that the higher the grade, usually the more aggresive the cancer. She's also right that the information section of bc.org (the home page) has good, very understandable information about your path report. Check it out. Probably best to stay off Google right now - I scared myself silly when I was first diagnosed!

I got my grade with the first biopsy report. The stage came after surgery and testing.

Wishing you all the best - I know it's scary, but you can do this!

Sue

Good wishes, Stacey.  We all have been as confused as you are now so know that it will all begin to make sense before long.  Always ask for copies of operative notes, pathology reports, and reports from any and all doctors who read your scans.  My hospital provides CDs of Cat scans, x-rays and MRIs and I always take them with me if I am seeing a new doctor who might ask something I can't answer.  No one will mind providing them to you and they will be essential to you as you try to learn more about your particular medical situation.  Also ask about testing like Oncotype DX and whether you are a candidate for this test -  if you are in a grey area a piece of your tumor is sent away for testing to see if you would benefit from chemotherapy.  It is quite expensive but increasingly, insurance will pay for it.  Finally ask all your doctors to send notes to your other doctors about what they are doing... at least have one doctor who is kind of your central clearing house so someone coordinates your care.  Right now you are dealing with a surgeon but you will add an oncologist, a radiologist, a pathologist, your primary care provider, and possibly other specialists.  It can get confusing!  Finally, keep a diary of every medical visit.  Sometimes that book is the only way I can tell who is sending me  a bill for what?

This is a great place to be... if you have to be here.

Pam 

Stacy, I was Stage 3, grade 3, with all unfavorable receptors, ER-PR-Her2+++, a high KI67 (70%), and a positive IM node.  But even with all that, I am now NED, meaning there is no discernable cancer. I am now almost 3 years out from dx and 1 & 1/2 years out from active treatment.  Cancer is no longer the first thing on my mnd, nor at the top of list of things to worry about.

Don't worry too much. 

Does grade really matter once the tumor is out?

What means infiltrating "well -differentiated  ductal carcinoma"?

Maybe somebody can translate ? Thanks