What does the Gleason grade evaluate?

The Gleason grade is a system used specifically to evaluate prostate cancer. This grading system helps determine the aggressiveness of the cancer based on the microscopic appearance of the prostate tumor cells. It assigns a score based on the patterns observed in tissue samples from a prostate biopsy, with two primary patterns being noted and then added together to give a final score ranging from 2 to 10. A higher score indicates a more aggressive cancer and a greater likelihood of disease progression. This system is critical in guiding treatment decisions and predicting patient outcomes, making it an essential tool in the management of prostate cancer specifically.