What are the numbers in the Gleason score, for example 3+4=7 or 3+3=6?
Prostate cancer can have several patterns under the microscope, which are each assigned a different number. The first number in the score is the most common and the second number in the score is the next most common pattern seen under the microscope. The individual patterns typically range 3 to 5 on biopsy, with 3 being least aggressive and 5 the most aggressive. They are added together to get your total “Gleason grade” or “Gleason score”, which typically ranges from 6 to 10. For example, in a Gleason score 3+4=7, most of the tumor is pattern 3 and less is pattern 4 and they are added together for a Gleason score of 7. In a tumor with a 3+3=6, the tumor is all pattern 3, and they are added together for a Gleason score of 6. Other ways that a Gleason score of 6 may be listed on your report are: “Gleason 6/10” or “Gleason 6 (3+3)” or “combined Gleason grade of 6”.
Related Questions
- Can a person wait as long as six months to decide whether or not to have surgery for prostate cancer that is low Gleason score and low volume?
- How accurately does prostate biopsy Gleason score predict pathologic findings and disease free survival?
- What are the numbers in the Gleason score, for example 3+4=7 or 3+3=6?
