Staging
Staging is a process that tells a doctor if the cancer has spread and if it has, how far. Staging for mantle cell lymphoma is the same as staging for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, since mantle cell lymphoma is a specific subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Staging for non-Hodgkin lymphoma depends on the number of enlarged lymph nodes, where the lymph nodes are located, if there is involvement of organs outside of the lymph nodes (called extranodal sites), and where those areas are. Staging is an important step in evaluating treatment options.
Stage I
Description
- Lymphoma is in only one lymph node region in the body.
- Stage IE: Lymphoma is also found in one organ near the affected lymph node region. "E" stands for "extranodal." meaning extending from a node into the surrounding tissue or in a tissue that is not the lymph node.
Stage II
Description
- Lymphoma is in at least two lymph node regions, all on the same side of the diaphragm.
- Stage IIE: Lymphoma is in one or more lymph node region and one associated organ (extranodal site) all on the same side of the diaphragm.
Stage III
Description
- Lymphoma is in lymph nodes on opposite sides of the diaphragm.
Stage IV
Description
- Lymphoma has spread outside of the lymphatic system to organs or other parts of the body.
