Lymphoma Staging and Prognosis
The two primary types of lymphoma are Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, such as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The anatomical location and the extent of cancer progression establish the lymphoma stage. According to the American Cancer Society, clinicians use the Lugano classification system to stage lymphoma. This system includes four stages, often categorized into limited (early) or advanced-stage disease. If the lymphoma affects an organ outside of the lymph system, known as extra-nodal, clinicians also add an “E” to the stage.
Stage I:
• Cancer is found in a single lymph node region or a single organ outside the lymphatic system (stage IE).
• Prognosis: Hodgkin lymphoma: The 5-year survival rate is around 90%; non-Hodgkin lymphoma: The 5-year survival rate is approximately 82%.a
Stage II:
• Cancer is in two or more lymph node regions on the same side of the diaphragm.
• It can also be in one lymph node region and a nearby organ (stage IIE).
• Prognosis: Hodgkin lymphoma: The 5-year survival rate is about 90%; non-Hodgkin lymphoma: The 5-year survival rate is around 75%.a
Stage III:
• Cancer is in lymph node regions on both sides of the diaphragm.
• It may also involve the spleen.
• Prognosis: Hodgkin’s lymphoma: The 5-year survival rate is approximately 80%; non-Hodgkin lymphoma: The 5-year survival rate is about 70%.a
Stage IV:
• Cancer has metastasized extensively to one or more organs outside the lymphatic system, such as the liver, bone marrow, or lungs.
• Prognosis: For Hodgkin lymphoma, the 5-year survival rate is around 65%,; for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, it is approximately 62%.a
a These survival rates are general estimates and can vary based on individual factors such as age, overall health, and response to treatment
Additional Classifications:
• E: Indicates that the cancer has metastasized to an organ outside the lymphatic system.
• B Symptoms: Presence of specific symptoms, such as fever, night sweats, and weight loss, which can affect staging and prognosis.
More information on the stages and prognosis of lymphoma can be found on the American Cancer Society’s website.
Leukemia Staging and Prognosis
Leukemia is classified into different types, each with a staging system and estimated prognosis.
• Acute lymphocytic leukemia has stages of untreated, in remission, and recurrent, with a 5-year survival rate of about 90% for children and 40% for adults.
• Acute myeloid leukemia shares comparable stages, with a 5-year survival rate of approximately 65% for children and 27% for adults.
• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is staged from 0 to IV, based on symptoms such as elevated leukocyte count and anemia, with a 5-year survival rate of around 85%.
• Chronic myeloid leukemia progresses through chronic, accelerated, and blast phases, with a 5-year survival rate of about 70%.b
b These survival rates are overall estimates and can differ depending on individual factors.
Multiple Myeloma Staging and Prognosis
According to the American Cancer Society, multiple myeloma is staged utilizing the Revised International Staging System, which considers specific biomarkers and genetic abnormalities.
• Stage I is characterized by low serum beta-2 microglobulin and normal albumin levels, and the 5-year survival rate is around 82%.
• Stage II includes cases that do not meet Stage I or Stage III criteria, with a 5-year survival rate estimated at 62%.
• Stage III, marked by high serum beta-2 microglobulin, high-risk cytogenetics, and/or elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels, has a 5-year survival rate of an estimated 40%.
The American Cancer Society also notes that patient factors, including renal function, age, overall health, and response to treatment, meaningfully impact prognosis.
The content contained in this article is for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. Reliance on any information provided in this article is solely at your own risk.
