What is the staging system used for lymphoma prior to treatment?

The Ann Arbor staging system is the standard classification used specifically for lymphoma prior to treatment. This system categorizes lymphoma based on the extent of disease and the anatomical structures involved. The stages range from I to IV, identifying whether the lymphoma is localized (stage I) or more widespread (stages II to IV), and it also assesses the presence of symptoms like fever, night sweats, and weight loss.

This distinction is crucial because it helps guide treatment decisions and predicts the prognosis. The system incorporates both the number of affected lymph node regions and the presence of systemic symptoms, creating a comprehensive guide for clinicians.

Other staging systems and scoring methods mentioned, like Parkland staging, Gleason scoring, and Bard staging, are used for different types of cancers or medical conditions. Parkland staging is not a recognized system related to lymphoma, Gleason scoring is specifically for prostate cancer, assessing the aggressiveness of the disease, while Bard staging is not a standard staging system in oncology. This further emphasizes why the Ann Arbor system is the correct and relevant choice for staging lymphoma.