Stages

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

The stages of small lymphocytic lymphoma range from 1 to 4:

  • Stage 1 small lymphocytic lymphoma. At this stage, only one lymph node region or one site outside of the lymph nodes is affected.
  • Stage 2 small lymphocytic lymphoma. Stage 2 involves two or more lymph node regions on the same side of the diaphragm or one lymph node region and a site outside of the lymph nodes.
  • Stage 3 small lymphocytic 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 small lymphocytic lymphoma. At stage 4, small lymphocytic lymphoma involves one or more organs including the liver, lungs and bones, and may or may not include the lymph nodes.
Oct. 25, 2025
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