Histologic examination of biopsy is evaluated what type of lymphoma. Each type of lymphoma is further classified according to the pattern of growth of the tumor, it is called "grade / stage" of the tumor. The classification is important because it is oriented on therapies that could be effective. Currently in use three classifications:

1. the Formulation Working's National Cancer Institute: divide lymphomas into three categories according to the characteristics of cells (histology) and the prognosis (low, intermediate and high grade), and many lymphomas are not so easily classifiable but for which it was formulated:

2. Classification REAL (revised European-American group), which classifies cell lymphomas according to the originators.

3. Classification of the World Health Organization (WHO) that is similar to the real and is currently the most used. This classification uses various types of information: characteristics of cell growth, genetic abnormalities, mode of growth of the tumor in the body.

The "grade" the tumor is important to choose the most appropriate type of therapy, usually chemotherapy is more active in tumors with rapid growth in tumors and therefore more aggressive.

The low-grade NHL, they are also called lazy because they tend to grow very slowly and therefore do not require an early treatment, but are rarely curable, and tend to recur. Are much more frequent in adult patients have a longer survival with a good quality of life. Some forms may develop into aggressive forms that require timely and aggressive treatments and the prognosis becomes more severe.

The intermediate and high grade NHL: they are often classified as aggressive, grow quickly and need immediate treatment, unlike the previous, however, are more easily curable because it is more sensitive to chemotherapy. Are more frequent in young adult and child.

Besides having a classification according to cell characteristics, it is very important stage of the disease. Staging is the term used to describe the extent of disease in the body. We can distinguish four stages:

1. Stage I cancer is localized in a single lymph node or organ, or area extralymphatic.
2. Stage II the tumor is localized in two lymph nodes on the same side of the diaphragm, or in a lymph node and an adjacent organ.
3. Stage III disease involves more lymph nodes or lymph nodes and organs from both sides of the diaphragm.
4. Stage IV lymphoma has spread to the whole body: the lymph nodes, lymphoid organs (spleen) and non-bone marrow.
In conclusion, lymphoma, stage I and II is a disease localized to stages III and IV is a widespread disease. Assessment of the stadium is important to "predict" the outcome and prognosis of the disease and then choose the most appropriate treatment possible.
Another important parameter is the lack or absence of symptoms to diagnosis: lymphoma without symptoms is indicated by the letter "A", with symptoms "B". The symptoms are fever, chills, itching, difficulty breathing, upset stomach and bowel, numbness etc. Patients without symptoms are considered a better prognosis.
The letter "E" is used to indicate the involvement of an organ outside the lymphatic system. (eg lung).