The Stages of Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a form of cancer that affects a specific type of cell in preference to a tissue type or an organ. It affects the lymphocyte cells of the immune system and initially confines itself to a single lymph gland, most commonly in the neck or armpit areas. As with every other form of cancer, lymphoma goes through a number of stages before it becomes totally untreatable and the disease is termed terminal. There are four stages to every cancer case and these will now be explained.
Stage 1 lymphoma
This is early stage lymphoma where the cancerous cells are still confined to the area where they originated. As stated, this is normally within a lymph gland however occasionally the mutated lymphocytes can start to grow and multiple in a tissue close to a lymph gland. There are rarely any outward signs that the disease is developing and very few diagnosed cases are still in stage 1. If they are diagnosed in this stage it is usually by accident and the patient was being tested for something totally unrelated. Treatment of stage 1 lymphoma is very effective and over 90% of cases are totally cured.
Stage 2 lymphoma
This type of lymphoma is still classed as early stage cancer and although two or more lymph glands, or areas of tissue close to the lymph glands, are affected, the cancerous lymphoma cells are still confined to their original areas. Again there are rarely any outward signs although some subtle symptoms might be present depending on what additional tissues are affected and how strong the immune response is to them. As before treatment is generally very effective providing that there are no major tissues involved and many cases of stage 2 lymphoma go on to lead long and healthy lives.
Stage 3 lymphoma
This stage of lymphoma is more severe than the first two and is generally classed as a late stage. This is because the mutated lymphocyte cells begin to break away from the initial mass and travel around the body where they settle in far away tissues. There will undoubtedly be systemic symptoms present however the sufferer may not associate them with the presence of cancer. Treatment of stage 3 lymphoma is more difficult than the early stages because there are more areas of the body to eradicate cells from. Often the growth of the cancer is slowed down and in some cases stopped entirely however it is rare for all of the cancerous cells to be killed.
Stage 4 lymphoma
This stage is severe and unfortunately it is often terminal. The cancerous lymphocytes will have spread to most if not all of the body's systems and more often than not the liver and bone marrow are affected. Treatment is an option and it may give the sufferer a bit more time however the treatment is harsh and the patient may decide it is not worth the pain and upset. It is vital therefore that lymphoma, and indeed every form of cancer, is diagnosed and treated as soon as possible after it starts to develop however in some cases this just isn't possible.
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