What is the Gleason score used to evaluate?

The Gleason score is specifically utilized to evaluate prostate cancer. This scoring system is developed by examining prostate biopsy tissue under a microscope, focusing on the architecture of cancer cells. It provides insights into how aggressive the cancer is based on how much the cancerous tissue differs from normal prostate tissue.

In prostate cancer, the Gleason score ranges from 2 to 10, derived from two predominant patterns of cancerous cells observed in the sample. A higher score indicates more poorly differentiated cells and a greater likelihood of aggressive behavior, which helps guide treatment decisions and predict outcomes for the patient.

In contrast, the other options do not utilize this scoring system. While breast cancer, lung cancer, and skin cancer have their own grading and staging systems, they do not employ the Gleason score, which is unique to prostate cancer diagnostics and management.