There are various types of lymphomas. They are categorized according to the blood cells they affect.
HL accounts for around 3% of children's malignancies. It often begins in B lymphocytes (B cells). Classic Hodgkin lymphoma makes up approximately 90% of all HL diagnoses.
The NHL accounts for about 5% of all childhood malignancies. It frequently grows quickly and can form in T lymphocytes (T cells), B cells, or another type of white blood cell known as NK cells. Some common kinds of NHL in children are:
The signs and symptoms of lymphoma in children may include:
Painless swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, above the collarbone, under the arm, and around the groin Tiredness. Respiratory symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and itchy skin.
"B symptoms" are specific characteristics that assist doctors in staging and assessing prognosis.
They include:
The exact reason for lymphoma in youngsters remains unclear. In general, malignancies occur due to DNA alterations that allow cells like lymphocytes to grow and divide uncontrolled. DNA modifications can be inherited from parents or acquired over time. Acquired DNA alterations frequently arise at random as a result of errors made during cell division.
There are several identified risk factors for lymphoma in children. This includes having:
The diagnosis of lymphoma includes asking for an in-depth medical history, including symptoms, family history, and preexisting health conditions. A physical examination will also be performed to check for swollen lymph nodes. A conformational diagnosis is made by biopsy. For the biopsy, samples are generally taken from lymph nodes. In some cases, an entire lymph node is removed. Checking biopsy samples can detect the presence of lymphoma cells. If lymphoma is found, further tests can help in checking the exact type of lymphoma. After diagnosis, the staging of lymphoma is done. Staging determines the spread of cancer and directly affects both treatment and prognosis.
Further tests that may help diagnose or stage lymphoma in your child consist of:
Blood Tests:
Imaging Tests
Doctors frequently use chemotherapy (chemo) to treat lymphoma in children, usually with a combination of chemo medicines. In addition to chemotherapy, your child may get radiation therapy or targeted therapy. If first-line medications do not work or the lymphoma returns after treatment, a stem cell transplant may be recommended. This can help to repair healthy bone marrow, which in turn produces healthy lymphocytes. Regardless of the type of lymphoma your kid has, both the advantages and risks of various treatments must be carefully considered. Because children are still growing and developing, some cancer treatment methods can have lasting effects.
Many factors affect the prognosis of children with lymphoma. Factors affecting lymphoma prognosis include:
As earlier stated, because children are still growing and developing, certain cancer treatments may have an impact on their future health. These are known as "late effects." Lymphoma treatment may result in secondary malignancies and fertility issues. Lymphoma treatment can have long-term repercussions on the heart, neurological system, and bones.
Children with lymphoma can have either HL or NHL. Lymphoma is typically treated with chemotherapy. However, your doctor may recommend further therapies including radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or stem cell transplant. The prognosis for lymphoma in children is generally favorable. Several factors, including lymphoma kind and stage, can affect the prognosis. Talk to the care team to better understand their perspectives.
How is lymphoma treated in children?
Chemotherapy (often in combination with other medications) is the primary treatment for NHL in children and young adults because it can reach all parts of the body and kill lymphoma cells wherever they are detected.
Is lymphoma treatable in children?
Yes, many childhood lymphomas resolve completely after treatment. However, in some cases, the cancer can recur.
What is the common age for lymphoma in children?
It is the most common lymphoma in people aged 10 to 19, and the most common cancer among teenagers aged 15 to 19.
How was your child diagnosed with lymphoma?
Swollen lymph nodes, breathing issues, or swelling in the belly, face, hands, or feet are symptoms of lymphoma. When a child has an enlarged lymph node without a known cause, the doctor may closely monitor the node to see if it shrinks or grows.
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