What does Ann Arbor Stage II indicate?

Ann Arbor Stage II refers to a classification system used to describe the extent of lymphomas and certain other malignancies. Stage II indicates that two or more lymph node regions are involved, specifically on the same side of the diaphragm. This means that the cancer is localized but has spread to multiple sites within a defined anatomical area, distinguishing it from a situation where it affects lymph nodes on both sides of the diaphragm or where involvement is limited to a single organ or region.

Understanding the stages of cancer is crucial for determining treatment approaches and prognosis. Stage II in the Ann Arbor classification highlights the localized but more extensive nature of the disease, as opposed to a single site or more widespread involvement that would denote different stages.