The stage is identified through a careful history, physical exam and laboratory and x-ray studies.
The classification used for staging Hodgkin's disease is known as the Ann Arbor Staging System.
Stage I Involvement of a single lymph node region (Stage I) or localized involvement of a single organ or site other than lymph nodes (IE).
Stage II Involvement of two or more lymph node regions on the same side of the diaphragm (either above or below the breathing muscle separating the chest from the abdomen) (Stage II) or localized involvement of a single associated organ or site other than lymph nodes (extralymphatic) and its nearby lymph nodes, with or without other lymph node regions on the same side of the diaphragm (IIE).
Stage III Involvement of lymph node regions on both sides of the diaphragm (Stage III) that may also be accompanied by localized involvement of an extralymphatic organ or site (IIIE), involvement of the spleen (IIIS) or both (IIIS+E).
