Extranodal involvement

Extranodal involvement occurs when a disease, such as lymphoma, spreads beyond its usual lymph node locations into other tissues or organs outside the lymphatic system. This can include areas like the skin, liver, or bones. Detecting extranodal involvement helps doctors understand the extent of the disease, which can influence treatment strategies and prognosis. It is identified through scans, biopsies, or imaging techniques, and indicates that the disease has extended beyond its original lymphatic sites, often suggesting a more advanced stage.