[Lymphomas: clinical stages]

The degree of diffusion and the histological type are the two main features of lymphoma that determine its course and prognosis, and influence its treatment programme. Recognition of the anatomoclinical stage is now made more certain by the adoption of diagnostic procedures to be applied to all patients in the pre-treatment phase in accordance with rational criteria of choice. Attention is directed to several of such methods: lymphography, photolymphoscintigraphy, scintiscanning with 67-Ga, bone biopsy and exploratory laparotomy with splenectomy. The advantages and limitations of each method are considered.