Stages of Lymphoma

When lymphoma a doctor has made a definite diagnosis of lymphoma, staging is applied to keep track of the malignancy. Keeping track of the malignancy is for the following purposes:

Ø To observe the speed in which lymphoma develops.  

Ø To note how fast the malignancy is spreading 

Ø To know just how mild or how aggressive the treatment should be. 

Ø To know if the applied treatment is working, or if it needs to be modified. 

To perform staging, the physician may perform several diagnostic tests. These tests include imaging diagnostics such as CT-Scan and PET scan, histopathologic examination such as bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. Exploratory laparotomy is also done to look into the extent of metastasis as well as to obtain tissue samples for microscopic evaluation.    

The Ann Arbor staging is used when classifying the malignancy of lymphoma. The stages of lymphoma in this system are: 

STAGE I: there is presence of a tumor in one area or lymph node but absence of metastasis (spread). 

STAGE II: more than one tumor is seen in one area (either above or below the diaphragm) with possible proximal metastasis. 

STAGE III: there are more than one tumors found in different locations (both above and below the diaphragm). Adjacent metastasis is also noted. 

STAGE IV: many tumors are noted in different locations. Metastasis is noted in the liver, stomach, and distant lymph nodes. 

Stages of lymphoma can also include the following classification: 

·         A – there are no symptoms reported by the patient 

·         B – classical symptoms of lymphoma are reported (i.e. fever, unexplained weight loss, night sweats). 

·         E – the malignancy is seen in an area other than the original site and has spread near or beyond major lymphatic areas. 

·         S – the malignancy is located in the spleen. 

These stages of lymphoma can also be used together to fully describe the location and metastasis of a tumor or malignancy in lymphoma.   For example, a staging of IIIE means that the malignancy has been noted in areas above and below the diaphragm, outside the lymph nodes of an adjacent organ or tissue. Coupled with several factors such as age, noted signs and symptoms along with lab tests, the stages of lymphoma can also predict the prognosis. Always consult with your doctor if you are confused with your lymphoma staging.