Ann Arbor staging
Pronunciation: ann AR-ber STAY-jing
The standard staging system for lymphomas based on anatomic extent of disease and presence of constitutional symptoms.
Full Definition
The Ann Arbor staging system is the internationally accepted method for staging lymphomas, developed at a conference in Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1971. It classifies disease as Stage I (single lymph node region), Stage II (two or more regions on same side of diaphragm), Stage III (regions on both sides of diaphragm), or Stage IV (extranodal involvement). Each stage is further designated as 'A' (asymptomatic) or 'B' (presence of fever, night sweats, or weight loss). Additional modifiers include 'E' for extranodal extension and 'X' for bulky disease.
Usage
Usage note: Capitalize 'Ann Arbor' as a proper noun. Often abbreviated as stages I-IV with A/B designation.
In Context
- "Ann Arbor staging revealed Stage IIIA disease with involvement above and below the diaphragm." — Staging report
- "The Ann Arbor staging system remains the gold standard for lymphoma classification." — Protocol document