Stages of Childhood Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Stage I Cancer is found in a single area or lymph node outside of the abdomen or chest. Stage II Cancer is found: in only one area and in the lymph nodes around it; or in 2 or more areas or lymph nodes on one side of the diaphragm (the thin muscle under the lungs that divides the chest and abdominal cavity and helps with breathing); or to have started in the stomach or intestines and has been completely removed by surgery, and lymph nodes in the area may or may not have cancer. Stage III Cancer is found: in areas or lymph nodes on both sides of the diaphragm; or to have started in the chest; or in more than one place in the abdomen; or in the area around the spine. Stage IV Cancer is found in the bone marrow, brain, or spinal cord. Cancer may also be found in other parts of the body.