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Lymphoma in Children and Teens

What is lymphoma?

Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a part of the immune system. This network of nodes, glands, and vessels moves white blood cells called lymphocytes around the body to fight infection.

A tumor can begin in several places because lymph tissue is throughout the body.

There are two types of lymphoma:

Basics of Blood

Learn more about leukemia and lymphoma causes, treatment, and side effects.

Explore the Basics of Blood

Illustration of a child's silhouette with lymph nodes and pathways of connection highlighted and labeled. Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system.

The lymphatic system is a network of nodes, glands, and vessels that transports white blood cells through the body to fight infection.

Symptoms of lymphoma

The most common symptom of lymphoma is swollen lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, or groin. 

Other common symptoms include:

  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Drenching night sweats
  • Fever with no known cause that lasts 3 or more days
  • Unexplained cough or shortness of breath

Diagnosis of lymphoma

To diagnose lymphoma, your child's care team may use:

A biopsy is required to diagnose lymphoma.

Illustration shows two types of cells as thought through a microscope, one a healthy lymphocyte and the other a cancer cell

A biopsy is usually required to diagnose lymphoma.

Treatment of lymphoma

Treatment depends on:

  • The type of lymphoma
  • Location of the cancer
  • How far it has spread 
  • The patient's age and general health

The most common treatment is chemotherapy.

Other treatments may include:

Prognosis of lymphoma

The 5-year survival rate for Hodgkin lymphoma in the United States is more than 95%.

The 5-year survival rate for childhood non-Hodgkin lymphoma ranges from about 70% to more than 90%.

Key points about lymphoma

  • Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system.
  • There are 2 types: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
  • The most common symptom of lymphoma is swollen lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, or groin.
  • A biopsy is required to diagnose lymphoma.
  • The most common treatment is chemotherapy.

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Reviewed: December 2022

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Hodgkin Lymphoma

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