How are carcinoid tumors classified?

How are carcinoid tumors classified?

Based on the test results, your healthcare provider may classify or grade the carcinoid tumor. One way to classify a tumor is by location:

• Localized: The tumor is in one location and hasn’t spread.
• Metastatic: A malignant carcinoid tumor has spread to other parts of your body, far away from the original site.

Your healthcare provider also might grade a tumor based on how likely it is to spread.

• Grade 1 (low grade): The tumor cells look a lot like normal cells and aren’t multiplying or growing quickly.
• Grade 2 (intermediate grade): The cells are becoming more abnormal and multiplying faster.
• Grade 3 (high grade): The cells are significantly abnormal and are multiplying quickly.