How is B-Cell Lymphoma Staged and Classified?

B-cell lymphoma is staged using the Ann Arbor staging system, which is a common method for staging lymphomas. This system classifies the disease into four stages:

• Stage I: The cancer is located in a single lymph node region or a single organ outside the lymph nodes.
• Stage II: The cancer is located in two or more lymph node regions on the same side of the diaphragm, or the cancer has extended from a single lymph node region into a nearby organ.
• Stage III: The cancer is located in lymph node regions on both sides of the diaphragm.
• Stage IV: The cancer has spread to multiple organs or tissues outside the lymphatic system.

Each stage can also be classified as "A" or "B", depending on whether the patient has specific symptoms. "A" means the patient does not have fever, weight loss, or night sweats, while "B" means the patient has at least one of these symptoms.

How is B-Cell Lymphoma Classified?

B-cell lymphoma is classified based on the type of cells involved in the disease and their appearance under a microscope. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified many types of B-cell lymphomas. Some of these types include:

• Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)
• Follicular lymphoma
• Mantle cell lymphoma
• Marginal zone lymphoma
• Burkitt lymphoma

Each type of B-cell lymphoma has different characteristics, prognosis, and treatment options. You can learn more about these types of B-cell lymphomas by clicking the links above to visit the HealthTree website specifically associated with that subtype of cancer. 

What are the Phases of B-Cell Lymphoma?

The phases of B-cell lymphoma typically follow the stages of the disease. After diagnosis and staging, treatment is planned according to the type and stage of the lymphoma. The phases include:

• Initial phase: This includes diagnosis, staging, and planning of treatment
• Treatment phase: This involves the administration of therapies such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of these
• Remission phase: If the treatment is successful, the patient enters remission. Regular follow-ups are necessary to monitor for any signs of recurrence
• Recurrence phase: If the lymphoma returns, further treatment will be planned based on the type and extent of the recurrence

Want to Learn More About B-Cell Lymphoma?

Keep reading HealthTree for B-Cell Lymphoma's 101 pages!

• What Is B-Cell Lymphoma?
• How Is B-Cell Lymphoma Diagnosed?
• How Long Will I Live With B-Cell Lymphoma?
• What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of B-Cell Lymphoma?
• What Are Treatments For B-Cell Lymphoma?