Lymphoma is the third most common childhood cancer, according to the University of California-San Francisco (UCSF) Children's Hospital. In non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, tumors develop from white blood cells in the lymphatic system, a network of vessels that fights disease throughout the body. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is more common than Hodgkin's lymphoma, in which abnormal cells grow and spread beyond the lymphatic system, the Mayo Clinic explains.
Types
There are different subtypes of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. A child may develop the same types of lymphomas as an adult, according to LymphomaInfo.net. The four main types that strike children include Burkitt lymphoma, a fast-growing form of the disease; lymphoblastic lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form; diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, also aggressive; and anaplastic large cell lymphoma, a rare and slow-growing form.
Lymph Node Function
Lymph nodes are vessels that produce and store cells to fight infection for the lymphatic system. The lymph system is extensive and lymphoma may start in many locations, threatening organs and tissues throughout the body, the UCSF Children's Hospital explains. Lymph nodes are in the underarm, groin, neck, abdomen, spleen, thymus and tonsils.
Identification
Pain and swelling in the area of the cancer are often symptoms of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, according to UCSF Children's Hospital. Other symptoms for the child may include abdominal bloating, fever, sweating, weight loss and change in bowel habits.
Verification
Lymph nodes are often enlarged during common childhood infections, so lymphoma is not always easy to determine, according to the American Cancer Society. Lymph nodes that become larger than 1 inch across should cause concern. If the lymph nodes do not shrink after treatment for infection, further testing is necessary.
Diagnosis
A biopsy removes some or all of the lymph nodes to be examined for an accurate diagnosis. Doctors may withdraw a small amount of tissue from the tumor with a needle or through a small excision. A bone marrow biopsy may be taken to see if the lymphoma has reached the bone marrow, the American Cancer Society explains. This can be done with local anesthetic or medicine to relieve discomfort to the child. Fluid may be taken from other areas suspected of having lymphoma, including the spinal area, chest and abdomen.
Treatment
Younger patients tend to have better recovery rates from lymphoma than adults. Chemotherapy is the main treatment for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, according to UCSF Children's Hospital. The drug helps kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Chemotherapy can be taken orally or by injection. Radiation therapy also works effectively in some cases. Bone marrow transplants may take place when lymphoma cells are resistant to chemotherapy or radiation. The cure rate for children is about 70 percent, the UCSF Children's Hospital notes.
