Hodgkin’s Disease Staging
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Staging Hodgkin's Disease
Hodgkin's disease typically affects the lymph nodes in the body. And the spread of the disease typically follows an orderly pattern, systematically moving from one lymph node to the next.
Your doctor may choose to use one or more of the available diagnostic imaging tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized tomography (CT), or positron emission tomography (PET) scans, to see how the cancer has progressed through the network of lymph nodes. The process of assessing the spread of the cancer and evaluating viable treatment options may also require additional information, including blood tests, a physical exam, life history, and a tissue biopsy.
The Cotswold system (formerly the Ann Arbor Staging System) characterizes the stages by number of lymph nodes involved and regions affected by the cancer. The early stages (stage I or II) are described by the number of lymph nodes the cancer has affected. The most advanced stage (stage IV) is characterized by the spread of cancer to other parts of the body:
The Stages of Hodgkin's Disease
- Stage I Hodgkin's Disease: The cancer has only affected one lymph node region or organ.
- Stage II Hodgkin's Disease: Two or more lymph nodes are affected. The cancer is either above or below the diaphragm.
- Stage III Hodgkin's Disease: The cancer may now affect lymph nodes on both sides of the diaphragm (the breathing muscle beneath the lungs).
- Stage IV Hodgkin's Disease: The most advanced stage of Hodgkin's lymphoma, cancer cells have move beyond the lymph system into other tissue and organs such as the liver, lungs or bones.
Additional letters, A, B, E and S may also be used to further describe the cancer. The letters A and B indicate the presence or absence of certain symptoms. The letters E and S refer to the spread of the cancer beyond the lymph nodes:
- A & B - B symptoms play a role in the staging process and understanding the prognosis. The letter B indicates that a person is experiencing one or more of the following symptoms: drenching night sweats, fever or weight loss. A is used if there is no evidence of B symptoms.
- E & S - Extranodal cancers that have spread beyond the lymph nodes into other tissues or organs is indicated by the letter E. An extranodal cancer that has spread to the spleen is indicated by the letter S. Approximately 30 percent of people with Hodgkin's disease will develop an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly).
Understanding Hodgkin's Disease Staging
Staging is the first step towards finding a treatment plan that's right for you. Other factors, as indicated by the letters A, B, E and S may also play a role in the treatment plan. "Bulky" disease, a condition describing large tumors spanning the chest region, may require a specific type of treatment.
The care team at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) understands that this may be a very emotional time. The staging process provides a lot of valuable information for you and your doctors to determine the appropriate course of treatment. We are here every step of the way to answer your questions and support you through this process.
There may be a lot of new information to consider and the CTCA care team is dedicated to ensuring that you clearly understand the process and the variety of treatment options available to you. With knowledge, expertise and compassion, our cancer experts clearly communicate the information you need to know.
Taking the Next Steps
When you're ready to learn more, call 1-800-615-3055 or Chat Now to talk with one of our Oncology Information Specialists. Our representatives are available 24 hours a day, every day of the week. We're ready to help, at any stage.
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