How is Marginal Zone Lymphoma Staged and Classified?

Staging of marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) is done using the Ann Arbor staging system, which is used for all types of non-Hodgkin lymphomas. This system classifies the disease into four stages based on the extent and location of the cancer:

• Stage I: The cancer is located in a single lymph node region or a single non-lymph node site.
• Stage II: The cancer is located in two or more lymph node regions on the same side of the diaphragm, or it extends 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 widely into multiple organs outside the lymph system.

Each stage can also be classified as "A" or "B" based on the presence of symptoms. "A" means that the patient does not have any significant symptoms, while "B" indicates that the patient has significant symptoms such as fever, weight loss, or night sweats.

Classification of Marginal Zone Lymphoma

Marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) is classified into three main types based on the location of the cancer:

• Extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (also known as mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue or MALT lymphoma): This is the most common type of MZL and it typically starts in the stomach, but can also occur in the lungs, skin, thyroid, salivary glands, or eyes.
• Nodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma: This type of MZL starts in the lymph nodes.
• Splenic marginal zone B-cell lymphoma: This type of MZL starts in the spleen and may also involve the blood and bone marrow.

What are the Phases of Marginal Zone Lymphoma?

The phases of marginal zone lymphoma are essentially the same as its stages. The disease progresses from Stage I to Stage IV, with the cancer spreading from a single lymph node or site to multiple organs outside the lymph system. The speed and pattern of this progression can vary widely from patient to patient, depending on factors such as the type of MZL, the patient's overall health, and the effectiveness of treatment.

Want to Learn More About Marginal Zone Lymphoma?

Keep reading HealthTree for Marginal Zone Lymphoma's 101 pages!

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