Ann Arbor staging
Standard staging system for lymphomas using roman numerals I-IV. Fundamental classification for treatment planning.
Full Definition
The Ann Arbor staging system is the internationally accepted classification system for staging Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas, developed at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor in 1971. The system uses roman numerals I through IV to describe the extent of disease based on anatomic involvement: Stage I indicates involvement of a single lymph node region, Stage II involves two or more lymph node regions on the same side of the diaphragm, Stage III affects lymph node regions on both sides of the diaphragm, and Stage IV indicates diffuse involvement of extranodal organs. Additional modifiers include 'A' for absence of B symptoms and 'B' for presence of fever, night sweats, or weight loss.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize Ann Arbor. Use roman numerals for stages (I, II, III, IV).
In Context
- "PET-CT staging confirmed Ann Arbor Stage IIIB disease." — Staging report
- "The Ann Arbor staging system remains the gold standard for lymphoma classification." — Educational text