Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Stages

If you're diagnosed with non-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 non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Your healthcare team uses the cancer stage to help create your treatment plan.

The stages of non-Hodgkin lymphoma range from 1 to 4:

• Stage 1 non-Hodgkin lymphoma. At this stage, only one lymph node region or one site outside of the lymph nodes is affected.
• Stage 2 non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Stage 2 involves two or more lymph node regions on the same side of the diaphragm.
• Stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma. At stage 3, lymph node regions on both sides of the diaphragm or lymph nodes above the diaphragm and the spleen are affected.
• Stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma. At stage 4, non-Hodgkin lymphoma has spread to organs outside of the lymphatic system.

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 non-Hodgkin lymphoma you have.
• The cancer's stage.
• Your blood test results.

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.