What is a Gleason score?
A pathologist assesses the architectural patterns of prostate cancer tissue and assigns Gleason grades. Their combination may be reported as 3+4=7, for example. In current practice, reported cancer scores generally range from 6 to 10. These numbers should not be interpreted like marks in an examination. [1]
Why 3+4 differs from 4+3
Although the totals are the same, the predominant pattern differs. In 4+3, the higher-grade pattern predominates. This matters for risk assessment. It still does not determine an individual’s course with certainty: the extent of sampled disease and other findings also contribute. [1, 2]
What Grade Group means
Grade Groups organise Gleason findings into groups from 1 to 5. Gleason 3+3=6 corresponds to Grade Group 1, 3+4=7 to Group 2 and 4+3=7 to Group 3. Grade Group 1 does not mean that cancer is absent. It describes the grade of a cancer that has been identified. [1]
Stage and risk group provide other information
Staging assesses disease within or beyond the prostate, lymph nodes and distant sites. Depending on the staging system, PSA and grade also contribute to the stage grouping. Treatment discussions consider risk group alongside general health and the person’s preferences. [1, 2]
Questions when reviewing the report
Ask about the Gleason score, Grade Group, number of samples containing tumour and whether further staging investigations are needed. A biopsy report and a later report on surgically removed tissue do not describe identical amounts of tissue. Reviewing the findings together is more informative than reducing the report to one word or number and helps clarify why particular options are being discussed.
References
This article provides general health information. Consult your clinician for individual diagnosis and treatment decisions, and your pharmacist for questions about medicine use.
Published by Aymed İlaç · 17 October 2026