Methods for grading carcinomas are provided as well as kits therefor. A method is provided for grading a carcinoma, or suspected carcinoma, comprising obtaining a sample of the carcinoma or suspected carcinoma and contacting the sample with one or more reagents so as to identify LacNAc or Gal.beta.1,4GlcNAc expression on cell surfaces thereof, quantifying the identified LacNAc or Gal.beta.1,4GlcNAc expression, and comparing quantified LacNAc or Gal.beta.1,4GlcNAc expression to one or more predetermined control values, and assigning a grade to the suspected carcinoma based on the quantified LacNAc or Gal.beta.1,4GlcNAc expression being in excess of, or less than, the one or more predetermined control values. Also provided is a method for identifying a sample from a subject as a carcinoma sample. Also provided is a kit for grading carcinoma samples comprising a LacNAc-specific or Gal-1,4GlcNAc-specific glycosylation enzyme and a synthetically-labeled sugar molecule and written instructions for use thereof.
