Stages of NHL

Stages of NHL

The various stages of NHL (the Ann Arbor staging classification, developed for Hodgkin's lymphomas) are based on how far the cancer has spread throughout and beyond the lymphatic system, and whether constitutional symptoms (fever, night sweats, or weight loss) are present.

Stage I

"Stage I" indicates that the cancer is located in a single region, usually one lymph node and the surrounding area. Stage I often will not have outward symptoms.

Stage II

"Stage II" indicates that the cancer is located in two separate regions, an affected lymph node or organ within the lymphatic system and a second affected area, and that both affected areas are confined to one side of the diaphragm - that is, both are above the diaphragm, or both are below the diaphragm.

Stage III

"Stage III" indicates that the cancer has spread to both sides of the diaphragm, including one organ or area near the lymph nodes or the spleen.

Stage IV

"Stage IV" indicates that the cancer has spread beyond the lymphatic system and involves one or more major organs, possibly including the bone marrow or skin.

The absence of constitutional symptoms is denoted by adding an "A" to the stage; the presence is denoted by adding a "B" to the stage (hence the name B symptoms).

Staging in non-Hodgkin's lymphomas is far less significant in determining therapy than it is in Hodgkin's disease.