Donna,
Ta is, of course the Stage (the alpha-numeric description of the cancer and depth of growth). Stage is subject to change over time. Grade is a stable description of the propensity of a cancer to spread aggressively. Grade is assigned by the pathologist who examines the biopsy material. The terms High and Low Grade can be further resolved into grades 1 to 4.
So, TaG4 indicates noninvasive papillary carcinoma with a higher likelihood to grow and spread than a lower grade. Because of the High Grade, treatment and long term surveillance is generally advised.
Remain Happy. You are addressing the cancer, you have a plan, and you are closely monitoring for any changes. You have care options if the stage were to increase.
Best,
Jack
Sourced Information
Table 6. WHO/ISUP Recommended Grading System
ISUP = International Society of Urologic Pathology; WHO = World Health Organization.
Reprinted with permission from AJCC: Urinary bladder. In: Edge SB, Byrd DR, Compton CC, et al., eds.: AJCC Cancer Staging Manual. 7th ed. New York, NY: Springer, 2010, p 497.
GX Grade cannot be assessed.
G1 Well differentiated.
G2 Moderately differentiated.
G3 Poorly differentiated.
G4 Undifferentiated.
Source:
www.cancer.gov/types/bladder/hp/bladder-treatment-pdq#section/_35
Grade: Bladder cancers are also assigned a grade, based on how they look under the microscope.
• Low-grade cancers look more like normal bladder tissue. They are also called well-differentiated cancers. Patients with these cancers usually have a good prognosis (outlook).
• High-grade cancers look less like normal tissue. These cancers may also be called poorly differentiated or undifferentiated. High-grade cancers are more likely to grow into the bladder wall and to spread outside the bladder. These cancers can be harder to treat.
Source:
www.cancer.org/cancer/bladder-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/how-diagnosed.html
See about MICROPAPILLARY BC from Johns Hopkins at:
bradyurology.blogspot.com/2014/03/micropapillary-bladder-cancer-i-have-it.html