Hodgkin lymphoma (Hodgkin disease)

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Stages

If you're diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, the next step is to determine the cancer's extent, called the stage. Imaging tests, blood tests and biopsies may be used to determine the stage of your Hodgkin lymphoma. Your healthcare team uses the cancer stage to help create your treatment plan.

The stages of Hodgkin lymphoma range from 1 to 4:

  • Stage 1 lymphoma. At stage 1, Hodgkin lymphoma affects only one lymph node region.
  • Stage 2 lymphoma. A stage 2 Hodgkin lymphoma involves two or more lymph node regions on the same side of the diaphragm.
  • Stage 3 lymphoma. At stage 3, Hodgkin lymphoma involves lymph node regions on both sides of the diaphragm.
  • Stage 4 lymphoma. At stage 4, Hodgkin lymphoma involves regions outside of the lymph nodes.

Hodgkin lymphoma stages also may include the letters A and B. The letter A means that you don't have worrying symptoms of lymphoma. The letter B means that you have some symptoms, such as drenching night sweats, fever or weight loss.

Hodgkin lymphoma prognosis

The cancer prognosis tells you how likely it is that the cancer can be treated or cured. Your prognosis may depend on:

  • Your age.
  • Your overall health.
  • The type of Hodgkin lymphoma you have.
  • The cancer's stage.
  • Your blood test results.

For Hodgkin lymphoma, healthcare professionals may classify your prognosis as one of three ways:

  • Early stage, favorable risk. This means your cancer is stage 1 or 2, and you have no risk factors that affect your prognosis.
  • Early stage, unfavorable risk. This means your cancer is stage 1 or 2, and you have one or more risk factors.
  • Advanced stage. This means your cancer is stage 3 or 4.

Risk factors that affect your prognosis include your age, the size of lymph nodes, especially in the chest, if you have any symptoms and how many nodal areas are involved. Another risk factor is how quickly your red blood cells settle in a test tube. This is called erythrocyte sedimentation rate. A rate that is faster than usual may mean a more progressive cancer.

Talk with your healthcare team about your prognosis if you want to know what to expect. Members of your healthcare team can explain what they consider when thinking about your prognosis.

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Diagnosis & treatmentSurvival rates
Sept. 24, 2025

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