How is Lymphoma Staged and Classified?

Lymphoma is staged and classified based on the extent of the disease, the type of lymphoma, and the patient's overall health. The staging system used for lymphoma is the Ann Arbor Staging System, which includes four stages:

• Stage I: The cancer is limited to one lymph node region or organ.
• Stage II: The cancer is in two or more lymph node regions on the same side of the diaphragm, or it has extended from a lymph node region into a nearby organ.
• Stage III: The cancer is in lymph node regions on both sides of the diaphragm, possibly including the spleen.
• Stage IV: The cancer has spread widely into at least one organ outside of the lymph system.

Each stage can also be classified as "A" or "B". "A" means the patient does not have symptoms such as fever, weight loss, or night sweats. "B" means the patient has one or more of these symptoms.

Classification of Lymphoma

Lymphoma is classified into two main types: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. These types are differentiated based on the presence of a specific type of abnormal cell called a Reed-Sternberg cell, which is present in Hodgkin lymphoma but not in non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is further classified into more than 60 subtypes, based on the type of lymphocyte involved (B cells or T cells), the rate at which the cancer grows (indolent or aggressive), and the cell characteristics seen under a microscope.

Phases of Lymphoma

The phases of lymphoma are often referred to as the stages of the disease, as outlined above. However, the patient's journey with lymphoma can also be divided into phases including diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care.

• Diagnosis: This phase involves testing to confirm the presence of lymphoma and to determine its type and stage. This may include a physical examination, blood tests, imaging tests, and a biopsy.
• Treatment: The treatment phase may involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, stem cell transplant, or a combination of these. The choice of treatment depends on the type and stage of the lymphoma, the patient's overall health, and the patient's preferences.
• Follow-up care: After treatment, patients will need regular check-ups to monitor for any signs of recurrence and to manage any long-term side effects of treatment.

Want to Learn More About Lymphoma?

Keep reading HealthTree for Lymphoma's 101 pages!

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