stage IV

Definition of stage IV mycosis fungoides/Sézary syndrome

stage IV mycosis fungoides/Sézary syndrome

(... my-KOH-sis fun-GOY-deez/sey-zah-REE SIN-drome)
When there is a high number of Sézary cells in the blood, the disease is called Sézary syndrome. Stage IV is divided into stages IVA1, IVA2, and IVB. In stage IVA1, patches, papules, plaques, or tumors may cover any amount of the skin surface, and 80% or more of the skin surface may be reddened. The lymph nodes may be abnormal, but they are not cancerous. There is a high number of Sézary cells in the blood. In stage IVA2, patches, papules, plaques, or tumors may cover any amount of the skin surface, and 80% or more of the skin surface may be reddened. The lymph nodes are very abnormal, or cancer has formed in the lymph nodes. There may be a high number of Sézary cells in the blood. In stage IVB, cancer has spread to other organs in the body, such as the spleen or liver. Patches, papules, plaques, or tumors may cover any amount of the skin surface, and 80% or more of the skin surface may be reddened. The lymph nodes may be abnormal or cancerous. There may be a high number of Sézary cells in the blood.

Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms