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Learn MoreNon-Hodgkin lymphoma is the group name for all types of lymphomas except Hodgkin lymphoma. Lymphomas are cancers that begin in the body’s lymphatic system, which is part of the body’s immune system.
The lymphatic system moves infection-fighting white blood cells called lymphocytes throughout the body. As a result, lymphoma can start in many places, including the:
As part of the immune system, the lymphatic system moves infection-fighting white blood cells through the body.
Most non-Hodgkin lymphomas of childhood are different from adult lymphomas. Childhood lymphomas are typically more aggressive, but they are highly treatable.
In the United States, about 800 new cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in children and teens are diagnosed each year.
Learn more about leukemia and lymphoma causes, treatment, and side effects.
There are several different types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Types of childhood non-Hodgkin lymphoma include:
Signs and symptoms vary depending on where the disease starts in the body:
Doctors may begin to suspect cancer based on the child’s symptoms and from considering the results of a physical examination, medical history and blood tests. Sometimes doctors will order certain diagnostic imaging tests.
These tests may be completed at the local doctor’s office, hospital, or at a cancer center.
Doctors order a biopsy when cancer is suspected. A biopsy is required for diagnosis and will determine exactly what type of lymphoma. During a biopsy, tissue from the suspected tumor is removed and then examined by a pathologist under a microscope.
One of the following types of biopsies may be performed, depending of where the suspected cancer is located:
If lymphoma cells are present, additional tests will be performed on the tissue biopsy to diagnose the specific type of lymphoma. These tests include
If a biopsy confirms cancer, doctors will perform more tests to determine the stage of the disease. The stage indicates whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body and, if so, how much and how far it has spread.
The care team plans treatment based on the stage of the cancer. It is very important that lymphoma is staged as quickly as possible because these tumors grow rapidly. The higher the stage of the cancer, the more aggressively it needs to be treated.
Stage | Where Cancer is Found |
---|---|
Stage 1 | In one group of lymph nodes In one area outside the lymph nodes No cancer is found in the abdomen or area between the lungs |
Stage 2 | In one area outside the lymph nodes and in nearby lymph nodes In two or more areas either above or below the diaphragm, and may have spread to nearby lymph nodes To have started in the stomach or intestines and can be completely removed by surgery. Cancer may have spread to certain nearby lymph nodes. |
Stage 3 | In at least one area above the diaphragm and in at least one area below the diaphragm To have started in the chest To have started in the abdomen and spread throughout the abdomen In the area around the spine |
Stage 4 | In the bone marrow In the brain Cerebrospinal fluid Other parts of the body. |
The stage of lymphoma indicates whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body and, if so, how much and how far it has spread.
Chest X-ray with evidence of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in pediatric patient.
Chest X-ray of pediatric non-Hodgkin lymphoma patient shows evidence of disease.
Lateral X-ray of pediatric non-Hodgkin lymphoma with evidence of disease.
Tests that may be performed to help stage childhood non-Hodgkin lymphoma include:
A screening test for HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is also recommended because lymphomas sometimes develop in patients with this virus. If the test is positive, the patient may require medications to treat HIV.
When determining the best treatment, doctors consider many factors. These include:
The physician and medical team will also consider many factors about the patient, including age and if patients have any existing conditions that might affect their reaction to treatment.
Treatment is based on how well the subtype of lymphoma typically responds to initial therapy. It is called risk-adapted therapy. Risk refers to the risk of cancer not responding successfully to treatment – that it either won’t respond well (refractory) or will return after remission (relapsed).
Patients whose type of lymphoma is typically less responsive to therapies are considered higher than normal risk. These patients are generally given more intense therapies.
Patients with a type of lymphoma that is likely to respond to initial therapy will receive medicines that are likely to have fewer side effects. All patients get medicines and other therapies to help with side effects.
The pediatric oncologist will discuss treatment options with families.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma tends to be aggressive in children. It is important that treatment begins as soon as possible.
Although significant progress has been made in the treatment of children with lymphoma, 10-30% continue to have refractory or recurrent disease.
But there are treatment options. Many doctors consider intensive chemotherapy with or without treatment with targeted therapy, followed by a hematopoietic cell transplant (also called bone marrow transplant or stem cell transplant).
The subtype of lymphoma is an important factor in making treatment decisions for relapsed disease.
The prognosis (chance of recovery) depends upon
Overall five-year survival rates for childhood non-Hodgkin lymphoma can range from about 70% to more than 90%.
Late effects are side effects that develop after treatment is completed. These include:
Patients should discuss any concerns with their physicians and let them know about any symptoms. Regular, focused follow-up care is extremely important for childhood cancer survivors.
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Reviewed: June 2019