Definition

Cancer (1) has spread throughout one or more organs outside the lymph system; or (2) is found in two or more groups of lymph nodes that are either above the diaphragm or below the diaphragm and in one organ that is outside the lymph system and not near the affected lymph nodes; or (3) is found in groups of lymph nodes both above and below the diaphragm and in any organ that is outside the lymph system; or (4) is found in the liver, bone marrow, more than one place in the lung, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The cancer has not spread directly into the liver, bone marrow, lung, or CSF from nearby lymph nodes.