What is tumor grading?
After surgery to remove the breast tumor, a pathologist will check the breast tissue. The pathologist will then assign a grade to the tumor. The grade depends on how closely the cancer cells resemble normal tissue cells when viewed under a microscope. Low-grade cancer cells are similar to normal breast cells. Higher grade breast cancer cells look more abnormal. They indicate the breast cancer is more aggressive. The pathologist will also do a test called the estrogen progesterone receptor test. This test will show whether female hormones — estrogen or progesterone — influence the cancer cells. If the test is positive, it means hormones cause the cancer cells to grow. In that case, hormonal therapy may be effective in treating the cancer. Other tests, such as a bone scan or CT scan, may be warranted. It depends on the grade of the tumor. These tests will determine if the cancer has spread from the breast into other areas of the body.
