The Staging of Hodgkin's Lymphoma

The prognosis and specific treatment used to treat Hodgkin's depends on the stage of the disease or how widespread it is.
Stage I. Hodgkin's lymphoma is found in only one lymph node area or or structure (such as the spleen).
Stage II. Hodgkin's lymphoma is found in two or more lymph node areas on the same side of the diaphragm (the muscle beneath the lungs that moves up and down to help you breathe).
Stage III. Hodgkin's lymphoma is in lymph nodes on both sides of the diaphragm, or the cancer may also have extended to an area or organ adjacent to the lymph node and/or to the spleen.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
Stage IV. Hodgkin's lymphoma has spread to one or more organs outside the lymphatic system such as the bone marrow or liver.
Refractory or recurrent Hodgkin's lymphoma. Refractory disease is the term used when the disease progresses or doesn't go into remission while you are still being treated or when you have finished your first treatment step (induction treatment). Recurrent disease means that Hodgkin's lymphoma has come back after it has been treated. This may occur shortly after treatment or years later.