Navigating non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL): A Journey Through the Stages

Did you know that over 77,000 people are diagnosed with non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) each year in the United States? That’s a huge number, but understanding the stages of NHL can help you feel more in control of your journey.

But before we even get to the different stages, what even is NHL?

NHL is a type of cancer that starts in the lymphatic system, which is part of the body’s immune system. The lymphatic system includes lymph nodes (small, bean-shaped structures), the spleen, tonsils, and bone marrow. NHL can occur at any age and can start in almost any part of the body. Read our lymphoma 101 article to learn more. 

Stage I: The Starting Point

• Description: Involvement of a single lymph node or a group of adjacent (nearby) nodes.
• Symptoms: Swollen lymph nodes (usually not painful), fatigue, and unexplained fever.

Stage II: Expanding Territory

• Description: Involvement of two or more groups of lymph nodes on the same side of the diaphragm (the muscle that separates your chest from your abdomen).
• Symptoms: Swollen lymph nodes, night sweats, weight loss, fever.

Stage III: Crossing the Line

• Description: Involvement of lymph nodes on both sides of the diaphragm, or lymph nodes above the diaphragm plus spleen involvement.
• Symptoms: Swollen lymph nodes on both sides of the body, significant weight loss, persistent fever, night sweats, fatigue.

Stage IV: Full House

• Description: Widespread disease in lymph nodes, bone marrow, and organ involvement, such as liver or lungs.
• Symptoms: Severe fatigue, significant weight loss, frequent infections, difficulty breathing (if lungs are involved), abdominal pain or swelling (if liver or spleen are involved)