Grade
After the tumor is removed, a doctor will rely on the pathology of the tumor to determine the grade of the cancer. The grade of the cancer may determine what type and how much treatment a patient may require. A “low-grade” cancer requires less treatment, generally surgery alone. However, a “high-grade” cancer often requires multiple treatments such as surgery and radiation. In select circumstances, chemotherapy may also be added with radiation for high grade cancers. If a patient’s care team decides that the cancer is “intermediate-grade,” they will provide an individualized treatment plan that is right for the patient.
