Stage 3. The Great Divide: Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma’s Two-Front Expansion
By Stage 3, the lymphoma is operating on a broader canvas. It’s found in lymph node regions on both sides of the diaphragm. Imagine a wildfire that has spread across a forest, burning trees on opposite ends.
This stage is indicative of a more aggressive form of the disease. The body’s defenses are now significantly engaged, trying to counter the cancerous cells spreading through the lymphatic channels.
As the disease becomes more widespread, general symptoms might intensify. Night sweats, persistent fatigue, and a more marked swelling in multiple lymph node regions can be observed. Yet, each patient’s experience can differ, making this stage a mosaic of manifestations.
The lymphatic system, which plays a pivotal role in fighting infections, now wrestles with the malignancy on multiple fronts. While the situation seems daunting, it offers invaluable insights into the nature and behavior of the lymphoma at this advanced stage. (3)
