- Stage I: The lymphoma is found in 1 lymph node region. Or, the lymphoma has invaded 1 extralymphatic organ or site (identified using the letter “E”) but not any lymph node regions (stage IE); this is rare in Hodgkin lymphoma.
- Stage II:: Any of the following conditions applies:
- Stage II:The lymphoma is in 2 or more lymph node regions on the same side of the diaphragm.
- Stage IIE:The lymphoma involves 1 organ and its regional lymph nodes (lymph nodes located near the site of the lymphoma), with or without lymphoma in other lymph node regions on the same side of the diaphragm.
- Stage II bulky:Either stage II or stage IIE applies, plus there is a mass in the chest. The mass is either larger than one-third the diameter of the chest or larger than 10 centimeters (cm). A centimeter is roughly equal to the width of a standard pen or pencil.
- Stage III:There is lymphoma in lymph node areas on both sides of the diaphragm, meaning above and below it.
- Stage IV:The lymphoma has spread to 1 or more organs beyond the lymph nodes. Hodgkin lymphoma usually spreads to the liver, bone marrow, or lungs.
The stage of Hodgkin lymphoma describes the extent of the spread of the tumor, using the terms "stage I" to "stage IV" (1 through 4). As explained in Symptoms and Signs, each stage may also be further divided into “A” and “B” categories, based on whether or not the person is experiencing specific B symptoms.
- Fertility issues
- Infections
- Thyroid problems
- Secondary cancers
- Lung damage
Because lymphoma affects the lymphatic system, treatment for the disease may lead to a condition called lymphedema, which is swelling caused by a buildup of lymphatic fluid. Other common side effects include:
Tips For Follow-up after Hodgkin Lymphoma Even if you’ve completed treatment, your doctors will still want to watch you closely. It’s very important to go to all your follow-up appointments because HL can sometimes come back even many years after treatment. Some treatment side effects might last a long time or might not even show up until years after you have finished treatment (see Late and Long-term Side Effects of Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment). These doctor visits are a good time to ask questions and talk about any changes or problems you notice or concerns you have.