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What is grade, and how is it different from stage?

Stage is about how far it has spread. Grade is about how the cells look under the microscope, and how fast they are likely to grow.

So two people can share a stage and have very different grades. Both are used to choose treatment. Ask your team for yours, and ask what each one is telling you.

Written by two physicians. Checked against patient information from the US National Cancer Institute and Cancer Research UK.

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Content last updated 25 September 2026 · How we write these cards · Report a problem with this card

These cards are for learning. They are not medical advice and do not replace talking with your own doctor.