“The Gleason score is a critical part of your diagnosis — but it’s only part of the puzzle. Every man’s prostate cancer journey is unique, and our job is to help you make the decision that’s right for you.”
Just Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer?
Hearing the words "you have prostate cancer" can be confronting. Whether it's your diagnosis or a loved one's, it’s natural to feel anxious and start searching online for answers.
But not all prostate cancers are the same — and understanding the Gleason score is one of the first, most important steps in making sense of what it all means.
What Is the Gleason Score?
When a prostate biopsy confirms cancer, the next question is: What type of cancer is it? And more specifically, how aggressive is it?
This is where the Gleason score comes in. It’s a number derived by a pathologist looking at the pattern of cancer cells under the microscope.
Lower Gleason scores (e.g., 6) indicate more structured, slower-growing cancer cells.
Higher scores (e.g., 8–10) point to more aggressive and irregular cancer growth.
The Gleason score is not just one number — it’s the sum of two patterns seen in your prostate biopsy:
The most common pattern observed (graded from 3 to 5)
The second most common pattern
For example:
A Gleason score of 3 + 4 = 7 means most of your cancer appears as grade 3, and some as grade 4.
A 4 + 3 = 7 means grade 4 is dominant — and that’s more aggressive.
Modern Gleason Grading: What You’ll See on Your Report
Today, pathologists group these scores into simplified “Grade Groups” to help make sense of the numbers:
Grade Group | Gleason Score | Cancer Type |
|---|---|---|
1 | 3 + 3 = 6 | Least aggressive |
2 | 3 + 4 = 7 | Mildly aggressive |
3 | 4 + 3 = 7 | Moderately aggressive |
4 | 4 + 4 = 8 | Aggressive |
5 | 9 or 10 (e.g. 4+5, 5+4) | Most aggressive |
This system helps us tailor your treatment options with greater clarity.
What Else Matters Besides Gleason Score?
To get the full picture of your cancer and the right treatment plan, we also look at:
Your PSA level (Prostate-Specific Antigen)
Your clinical stage (based on digital rectal exam and imaging)
Any evidence of spread outside the prostate
What Should You Do Next?
If you or someone you care about has just been diagnosed with prostate cancer, here’s what we recommend:
Take a breath. You have time to explore your options.
Bring a loved one to your appointments — two sets of ears are better than one.
Ask questions. The more you understand, the more empowered your decisions will be.
And most importantly: know that not all prostate cancers require immediate treatment. Some can be safely monitored. Others may benefit from surgery, radiation, or newer targeted therapies.