Primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma

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Stages

If you're diagnosed with primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL), the next step is to find out the extent of the cancer spread. This is called the stage. Imaging and biopsies may be used to determine the stage of your PMBCL. Your healthcare team creates your treatment plan based on the stage. A higher stage means the cancer is more advanced.

The stages of PMBCL range from 1 to 4:

  • Stage 1. The cancer typically affects one area.
  • Stage 2. The cancer involves the mediastinum and nearby lymph nodes.
  • Stage 2 bulky. Your healthcare professional also may describe your PMBCL as if the mass in the chest is larger than 10 centimeters (about 4 inches).
  • Stage 3. The cancer is more advanced and involves lymph node regions on both sides of the diaphragm.
  • Stage 4. The cancer has traveled to distant organs, beyond lymph nodes, such as the lungs.
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Diagnosis & treatmentSurvival rates
March 07, 2026
  1. B-cell lymphomas. National Comprehensive Cancer Network. https://www.nccn.org/guidelines/guidelines-detail?category=1&id=1480. Accessed Dec. 17, 2025.
  2. Aster JC, et al. Primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Dec. 17, 2025.
  3. Brown JR, et al. Pathobiology of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Dec. 17, 2025.
  4. Hsi ED, et al., eds. Diffuse aggressive B-cell lymphomas. In: Hematopathology: Foundations in Diagnostic Pathology. 4th ed. Elsevier; 2026. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Dec. 17, 2025.
  5. Mediastinum. Dorland's Medical Dictionary Online. https://www.dorlandsonline.com. Accessed Dec. 17, 2025.
  6. Paulson CL. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic. July 15, 2025.

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Primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma