Histological examination helps in grading and staging tumors, which are crucial for determining the prognosis and treatment plan. Tumor Grading Grading evaluates the appearance of cancer cells and how much they differ from normal cells. It is usually categorized as:
Grade 1: Well-differentiated, cells resemble normal cells. Grade 2: Moderately differentiated, cells are more abnormal. Grade 3: Poorly differentiated, cells are very abnormal.
Tumor Staging Staging assesses the extent of cancer spread and is often based on the TNM system:
T (Tumor): Size and extent of the primary tumor. N (Node): Involvement of regional lymph nodes. M (Metastasis): Presence of distant metastasis.
