How Is T-Cell Lymphoma Staged And Classified?

T-cell Lymphoma is staged and classified using the Ann Arbor staging system, which is the most commonly used system for lymphomas. This system classifies the disease into four stages (I-IV) based on the number of lymph nodes involved and the parts of the body affected. The stages are further divided into A and B categories, where 'A' indicates absence of symptoms like fever, weight loss, and night sweats, and 'B' indicates their presence.

Classification of T-Cell Lymphoma

T-cell lymphomas are classified based on their cell of origin, the appearance of the cells under a microscope, and the presence of certain proteins on the cell surface. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified T-cell lymphomas into several types, including Peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL), Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), and Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Each type has a different prognosis and treatment approach.

Phases of T-Cell Lymphoma

The phases of T-cell lymphoma are typically referred to as stages. Here is a brief overview of the stages:

• Stage I: The cancer is found in one lymph node region or one organ outside the lymph nodes.
• Stage II: The cancer is found 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 found in lymph node regions on both sides of the diaphragm.
• Stage IV: The cancer has spread widely into multiple organs outside the lymphatic system.

Each stage can also be classified as 'A' or 'B', with 'B' indicating the presence of symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, fever, and night sweats.

Want to Learn More About T-Cell Lymphoma?

Keep reading HealthTree for T-Cell Lymphoma's 101 pages!

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