What Is the Gleason Score?
The Gleason score is a grading system used by doctors to evaluate prostate cancer based on how the cancer cells look under a microscope. When a biopsy is done, small tissue samples are taken from the prostate and examined by a pathologist.The pathologist looks at the patterns of cancer cells and assigns them a grade from 1 to 5:Grade 1: Cells look almost like normal prostate cells. (non cancerous)Grade 5: Cells look very abnormal and aggressive.Most prostate cancers have cells that fall into two different grades
The Gleason score is the sum of the two most common grades found in the tissue sample. For example, if the most common cells are grade 3 and the next most common are grade 4, the Gleason score is 7 (3+4=7).The score ranges from 6 to 10 because grades 1 and 2 are rarely used for cancer diagnosis. (a score of 1-2 means that you do not have cancer) A lower Gleason score (like 6) means the cancer is less aggressive and is growing slowly. A higher score (like 9 or 10) means the cancer is more aggressive and likely to spread faster.Doctors use the Gleason score to predict how the cancer might behave and to decide the best treatment options.
Why is it important?
Early detection of prostate cancer can save lives. The Gleason score plays a key role in this because it helps doctors understand the cancer’s aggressiveness. Knowing the Gleason score allows doctors to:Decide if the cancer needs immediate treatment or can be monitored for a few more months.Choose the right treatment method, from surgery, radiation, or hormone therapy.Gauge the chances of the cancer spreading to other parts of the body.Estimate the patient’s prognosis over the next few years.What all plus 40 men should knowProstate cancer risk increases with age, especially after 40 years. Many men do not show symptoms in the early stages, so regular screening is important.Here are key points men over 40 should remember:Get regular check-ups: Discuss prostate health with your doctor and consider screening tests like PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood tests and digital rectal exams.
Early detection: Prostate cancer caught early is easier to treat and has better outcomes.Know the Gleason score: If diagnosed, ask your doctor about your Gleason score to understand your cancer’s aggressiveness.Lifestyle changes: Maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking to reduce cancer risk.Stay informed: Learn about symptoms such as difficulty urinating, blood in urine, or pelvic pain, and report them promptly to your doctor.Prostate cancer can be asymptomatic for years, so proactive health care is essential after 40.
