General medical words
What Does Prognosis Mean?
Prognosis · say it: prog-NOH-sisAlso written: outlook, expected course, prognostic factors
Short answer
Prognosis is a doctor's view of how a condition is likely to develop over time, including the chance of recovery.
What it means
Prognosis describes the likely course and outcome of an illness. It is based on what is known about the condition in general, combined with details about the individual person.
Doctors may describe prognosis in words such as "good", "fair" or "guarded". Some reports list "prognostic factors", which are features that help predict the course, such as the grade and stage of a cancer.
A prognosis is an estimate, not a certainty. It is based on groups of people, and each person's course can differ. It can change as treatment progresses and more is known.
Where you may see it
- Specialist letters and oncology reports
- Pathology reports (prognostic factors)
- Discharge summaries
📄 How it looks on a report
Prognosis is good with appropriate management.
🙅 What it does not mean
- A prognosis is not a prediction of exactly what will happen to you.
- It can change over time, for better or worse, as more information comes in.
- "Guarded" does not mean hopeless. It means the outlook is uncertain.
🗒️ Questions to ask your doctor
🧾 Reports where you will see “Prognosis”
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🔗 Read more from trusted sources
- “Prognosis” on MedlinePlus ↗
US National Library of Medicine
- NCI Dictionary definition ↗
US National Cancer Institute: “prognosis”
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General information about a medical word, not advice about your own results. Ask the clinician who ordered the test what it means for you.