What does differentiation refer to in oncology?

Differentiation in oncology refers to how much tumor cells resemble their normal, healthy counterparts, known as parenchymal cells. When evaluating tumors, pathologists assess differentiation to categorize the tumor's behavior and potential aggressiveness. Well-differentiated tumors closely resemble normal tissues and tend to grow and spread more slowly, while poorly differentiated tumors appear more abnormal and are likely to be more aggressive and invasive. This characteristic is crucial in determining prognosis and treatment approaches for cancer patients. The level of differentiation provides insight into the tumor's nature and can influence decisions regarding management and therapy.