Facts About Lymphoma

2. Four Stages of Severity and Progression

Experts classify the severity and progression of lymphoma in four stages that represent the location and nature of the cancerous tumor.

• Stage I, or early disease, means that one single lymph node or bodily region is affected by cancer cells.
• Stage II, or locally advanced disease, occurs when cancer cells are present in two or more lymph nodes, with all sites being either above or below the diaphragm.
• Stage III, or advanced disease, signifies that cancer cells are present in locations both above and below the diaphragm.
• Stage IV, or widespread disease, exists when the cancer cells spread to one or more of the body's organs.