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Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma—Child

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma—Child

(Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin—Child)

Definition

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a rare cancer of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a series of tubes and nodes that run through the body. They contain a fluid that helps fight infections and moves waste out of the body.

This cancer starts in a type of lymph cell called a lymphocyte. These cells spread throughout the lymph system. Over time, the cells will make it harder for a child's body to fight infections.

This cancer is different from Hodgkin lymphoma. This is another type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system.

The Lymphatic System.

Copyright © 2002 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Causes

The exact cause is not known. Faulty genes may play a role.

Risk Factors

This cancer is more common in children who are older. Other things that may raise the risk are:

  • Having a weakened immune system, such as from an organ transplant
  • A history of certain infections, such as hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS, or Epstein-Barr virus infection
  • Having other family members who have had non-Hodgkin lymphoma
  • Having certain genetic conditions, such as ataxia telangiectasia, X-linked lymphoproliferative disease, or Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome
  • A history of radiation therapy

Symptoms

Symptoms differ in each child. Common ones are:

  • Painless swelling of the neck, underarm, groin, or any other lymph node area
  • Fatigue
  • Lack of hunger
  • Weight loss
  • Fever
  • Night sweating
  • Itchy skin

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your child’s symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. It will focus on the lymph nodes.

Blood tests may be done to look for signs of cancer.

Fluid and tissue samples may be taken to look for signs of cancer. This can be done with:

Your child's body structures may need to be viewed. This can be done with:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the stage of the disease. The stage is determined by how far the cancer has spread and what organs are affected.

Choices are:

Prevention

There is no known way to prevent Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy

Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. The drugs enter the bloodstream and travel through the body killing mostly cancer cells. With radiation therapy, radiation is aimed at a specific area to kill the cancer cells. Some children may have both chemotherapy and radiation.

Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy

Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. The drugs enter the bloodstream and travel through the body killing mostly cancer cells. With radiation therapy, radiation is aimed at a specific area to kill the cancer cells. Some children may have both chemotherapy and radiation.

Transplantations

Treatment and the cancer itself can damage blood and lymph cells. Transplantation will help the body rebuild these cells. Choices are:

  • Bone marrow transplantation—Bone marrow is removed, treated, and frozen. Large doses of chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy are applied to kill the cancer cells. After treatment, the bone marrow is replaced through a vein. Bone marrow from a healthy donor is also sometimes used.
  • Peripheral blood stem cell transplantation—Stem cells are removed from the blood before chemotherapy or radiation treatment. After treatment is done, the stem cells are then placed back into the blood.

Biological Therapy

These medicines increase or restore the body’s natural defenses against cancer. Sometimes a drug or antibody that is directed at the lymphoma is linked to a radioactive substance. It will deliver a focused dose of radiation to the tumor.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Bowzyk Al-Naeeb A, Ajithkumar T, et al. Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. BMJ. 2018 Aug 22;362:k3204.
  • Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in children. American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/childhood-non-hodgkin-lymphoma.html.
  • Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/non-hodgkin-lymphoma-nhl.
  • Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin website. Available at: https://childrenswi.org/medical-care/macc-fund-center/conditions/oncology/non-hodgkins-lymphoma-nhl.

Contributors

  • Kari Kuenn, MD
Last Updated:
2022-09-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.