A type of cancer that can develop in any cell in the child’s lymphatic system is called lymphoma. Healthcare professionals have divided this condition into 2 categories. For example, Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. While both types share similar symptoms (such as swollen lymph nodes), they have different causes. Early detection and prompt treatment can cure childhood lymphoma.
In other words, lymphoma in children is a type of cancer that begins to develop in the lymphatic system. This is a network of tissues, vessels, and organs that contain white blood cells (lymphocytes). Typically, lymphocytes are localized in the child’s lymph nodes, spleen, and other parts of the body. Furthermore, lymphomas are the third most common type of childhood cancer after leukemia and brain tumors. They account for about 10% to 15% of all cancers diagnosed during childhood.
What Are The Most Common Types of Lymphoma in Children?
While the most common type of pediatric lymphoma is non-Hodgkin lymphoma, in teenagers between the ages of 15 and 19, Hodgkin lymphoma occurs more frequently.
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in children – In general, there are more than 70 subtypes of this form of lymphoma. Moreover, about 85% of non-Hodgkin lymphoma starts in the B lymphocytes (B cells), but it may start in T lymphocytes (T cells) or natural killer (NK) cells.
- Hodgkin lymphoma in children – In this case, the tumor begins to develop in B cells. Healthcare professionals often notice large abnormal cells known as Reed-Sternberg cells in children with Hodgkin lymphoma. These abnormal cells are not present in children with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
What Are The Symptoms of Lymphoma in Children?
Usually, Hodgkin lymphoma develops slowly over time, and you may not notice symptoms for months. However, children who develop non-Hodgkin lymphoma may experience symptoms sooner because the tumor grows quickly. While the primary symptom of lymphoma in children is swollen lymph nodes, it may also cause other symptoms. Check some general symptoms of lymphoma below:
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Unusual weight loss
- Cough
- Swallowing problems
- Noisy breathing or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue (extreme tiredness)
- Itching
- Appetite changes
Sometimes, lymphoma symptoms in children may look very similar to other serious health conditions. That’s why you should visit a doctor if your child has any of the previous symptoms.
Causes and Risk Factors
This type of cancer often develops in children when lymphocytes (white blood cells) mutate into cancerous cells. When it occurs, these cells begin to multiply and grow abnormally, becoming tumors. In most cases, genetic changes that cause lymphoma in children occur sporadically (randomly). Nowadays, more research is needed to understand the exact cause of this childhood cancer.
Furthermore, physicians have identified some factors that may increase the risk of your child developing lymphoma. However, you should understand that the following risk factors do not necessarily mean your child will develop this type of cancer. Check some of them below:
- Family history of lymphoma – If you have a parent or sibling with lymphoma, the risk of developing it significantly increases.
- Previous cancer treatments
- Epstein-Barr virus
- Mononucleosis
- Weakened immune system caused by an organ transplant, transplant medicines, or HIV infection
- Genetic or autoimmune disorders
What Are The Possible Complications of Lymphoma in Children?
Children who develop this type of cancer may also experience some complications, especially if the condition is poorly managed. Check some examples below:
- Infections – This type of cancer directly weakens the child’s immune system, which may lead to a decrease in cells that fight germs.
- Tumor Lysis syndrome – This complication occurs when fast-growing tumors break down quickly and release large amounts of intracellular contents (including uric acid, phosphorus, and potassium) in the bloodstream. Sometimes it is called Burkitt lymphoma, and without treatment, it may lead to kidney injury.
- Airway or vessel compression – When the tumor develops in the chest, it may put pressure on the windpipe or superior vena cava. As a result, it may lead to dyspnea (shortness of breath), wheezing, and other respiratory symptoms.
- Other infiltration – In some cases, the tumor may break and spread to other organs in the body.
- Treatment complications – These include bone marrow suppression, cardiotoxicity, lung damage, growth and endocrine problems, infertility, and secondary cancers.
The previous list does not contain all possible complications of lymphoma, but your doctor may recommend some options to reduce the risk or even prevent them. Additionally, there is no way to prevent this type of childhood cancer because doctors do not fully understand what exactly causes it.
Diagnosis
Most of the time, childhood lymphoma diagnosis starts with a physical examination and questions about the symptoms and family history. Doctors often look for bumps, swollen lymph nodes, or anything that resembles lymphoma. However, to confirm or rule out this condition, physicians often perform a biopsy. During this procedure, they will take a sample of the affected tissue for testing. However, they may also perform additional tests to get more information about your cancer. Check some examples below:
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)
- Sed rate test
- LDH test
- Immunophenotyping of white blood cells
- Uric acid testing
- Chest X-ray
- Abdominal ultrasound
- CT (computerized tomography) scans
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans
- PET (positron emission tomography) scans
Once your child is diagnosed with lymphoma, physicians may perform additional tests to determine the extent (stage) of the cancer. Usually, it helps make the best treatment plan for your child.
Treatment
In general, doctors prescribe different treatments for children with lymphoma because they depend on several factors. Examples include the type and stage of the cancer, overall health, age, and preferences. Check below some treatments often recommended by doctors for children with lymphoma:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Surgery to remove the tumor
- Monoclonal antibody therapy
- Stem cell transplant
- Clinical trials
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the life expectancy of a child with lymphoma?
Typically, the outlook for someone with lymphoma varies because it depends on some factors. For example, the type and stage of the cancer, the child’s response to treatment, existing health problems, and others. Generally, the 5-year survival rate for all types of childhood lymphomas is more than 85%.
What is the difference between Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma?
While both types of cancer share similar symptoms and affect the lymphocytes in children, there are some differences between them. For example:
- There are 4 subtypes of Hodgkin lymphoma and more than 70 subtypes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
- Hodgkin lymphoma mostly occurs among teenagers between the ages of 15 and 19, but non-Hodgkin lymphoma often occurs in younger children.
- The 5-year survival rate is approximately 90% for Hodgkin lymphoma and about 80% for children who develop non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Can lymphoma in kids be cured?
Yes, this type of cancer is one of the most highly curable types of pediatric cancer.
Can lymphoma in children spread to other parts of the body?
Yes. Lymphoma can spread beyond the lymphatic system to organs such as the bone marrow, liver, lungs, or central nervous system. The extent of spread depends on the subtype and stage at diagnosis.
Is childhood lymphoma contagious?
No. Lymphoma is not contagious. It cannot be passed from one person to another through contact, coughing, sharing food, or any other form of social interaction.
How is the stage of lymphoma in children determined?
Staging is based on how far the cancer has spread in the body. Doctors use imaging tests, blood tests, and sometimes bone marrow or spinal fluid analysis to classify lymphoma into stages (typically I to IV).
What are the side effects of lymphoma treatment in children?
Treatment side effects may include fatigue, nausea, hair loss, weakened immune system, infections, mouth sores, and temporary changes in blood counts. Long-term effects can vary depending on the therapy used.
Can lymphoma in children come back after treatment?
Yes, in some cases, lymphoma can recur after successful treatment. This is called a relapse. Regular follow-up visits are important to detect any return of the disease early.
Will a child with lymphoma be able to attend school during treatment?
Many children can continue school in some capacity, depending on their treatment plan and overall health. Some may attend part-time or receive home-based education during intensive therapy periods.
Are there ways to prevent lymphoma in children?
There is currently no known way to fully prevent lymphoma in children because most causes are not clearly understood. However, maintaining overall health and managing known risk factors may help reduce some risks. If you have additional questions, ask your healthcare provider.
