Ask an Expert is a free question-and-answer service about breast cancer and breast health that is available on weekends. If you'd like to ask a question or comment, please visit us again on Saturday or Sunday. In the meantime, please search the existing topics using the search tool at the top of the page. It's quite possible that one of our many existing topics already addresses your question.
If you would like a consultation with a breast specialist at the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center, call 443-778-2778. It is possible to get an appointment for a second opinion within a few days of contacting us.
We hope you find the information helpful!
| Forum | Questions | Ask a Question | |
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Facts and Myths about Breast Cancer Questions on the facts and myths of breast cancer. |
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| 6/18/2011 | what does the grades l,2 or 3 mean in breast cancer? | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 6/18/2011 | Tumor grade is a system used to classify cancer cells in terms of how abnormal they look under a microscope and how quickly the tumor is likely to grow and spread Grading systems are different for each type of cancer; breast cancer grade is different than prostate cancer grade. And grade is not the same as stage. So, grade 1 in breast cancer is the lowest grade, and indicates the cells are well differentiated, the cells generally appear normal, and are not growing rapidly; Grade 2, (middle grade) indicates moderately-differentiated breast cells; not as normal looking as grade 1, but not as abnormal as grade 3. Finally, grade 3, (highest) indicates poorly differentiated breast cells; cells do not appear normal and tend to grow and spread more aggressively. Best wishes, and thank you for trusting Johns Hopkins Breast Center with your questions! We are only a mouse click away. | ||
Please note: This service is not intended to provide primary medical advice concerning specific medical care or treatment. Ask an Expert is a free service operated by health care professionals at the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center. Due to the volume of questions and their complexity, there are times when medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists or oncology nurses are consulted for their input. These individuals volunteer their time for this service and will respond as soon as they are able. Please do not post or send the same question to us in multiple locations or categories.