childhood lymphoma

Childhood Lymphoma: An Overview

Childhood lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the immune system in children. It is one of the most common types of cancer in kids, and there are two main types: Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).

Types of Childhood Lymphoma

• Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL): This type of lymphoma is characterized by the presence of a specific type of cell called Reed-Sternberg cells. HL is more common in children than NHL.
• Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL): This type of lymphoma is more aggressive and can develop in any part of the body. It is less common in children than HL.

Symptoms of Childhood Lymphoma

The symptoms of childhood lymphoma can vary depending on the type and location of the cancer. Some common symptoms include:

• Weight loss: Children with lymphoma may experience unexplained weight loss.
• Fatigue: Feeling tired or weak is a common symptom of lymphoma in children.
• Pain: Pain in the abdomen, back, or joints can be a symptom of lymphoma.
• Fever: Recurring fever can be a sign of lymphoma.

Risk Factors for Childhood Lymphoma

While the exact cause of childhood lymphoma is unknown, there are some risk factors that may increase a child's chances of developing this disease. These include:

• Genetic predisposition: Children with a family history of lymphoma or other cancers may be at higher risk.
• Weakened immune system: Children who have weakened immune systems due to illness or treatment may be more susceptible to lymphoma.

Treatment Options for Childhood Lymphoma

The treatment for childhood lymphoma depends on the type and stage of the disease. Treatment options include:

• Chemotherapy: This is a common treatment for both HL and NHL.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation may be used in combination with chemotherapy or as a standalone treatment.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove affected lymph nodes.

Prognosis for Childhood Lymphoma

The prognosis for childhood lymphoma is generally good, especially if the disease is caught early. With proper treatment, most children can recover from this disease and lead healthy lives.

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Common symptoms of childhood lymphoma include:

• Painless swelling or enlargement of lymph nodes, especially in the neck, armpits, and groin [1], [3], [9]
• Excessive night sweats [2], [5], [6]
• Unexplained fever [2], [4], [7]
• Unexplained weight loss [1], [5]

Additional symptoms may include:

• Swelling in the belly [5], [7]
• Coughing or difficulty breathing [5]
• Fatigue [6], [12]
• Generalized itching, a rash [6]
• Abdominal mass, abdominal pain, constipation, decreased appetite, and a mass in the chest [7]

It's essential to note that these symptoms can vary depending on the type of lymphoma and its location in the body.

Childhood lymphoma is a rare but serious condition that requires prompt medical attention if symptoms are present. If you suspect your child may be experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment.

References: [1] - Childhood Lymphoma Symptoms [2] - Nov 30, 2021 — Childhood lymphoma symptoms often include night sweats, weight loss, and a high temperature (fever). [3] - Signs and symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in children. [4] - The most common symptom of childhood non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is swollen lymph nodes. [5] - Childhood lymphoma symptoms include unexplained fever, night sweats, loss of appetite or weight loss, coughing or difficulty breathing, and swelling in the belly. [6] - May 23, 2024 — Childhood lymphoma symptoms include recurrent fevers, excessive sweating, unintentional weight loss, fatigue, generalized itching, a rash, ... [7] - Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in children can cause symptoms such as abdominal mass, abdominal pain, fever, constipation, decreased appetite, and a mass in the chest. [9] - Childhood non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) can cause many different signs and symptoms, depending on the type of NHL and where it is in the body. Common symptoms include: Enlarged lymph nodes (seen or felt as lumps under the skin) [12] - Signs and symptoms of lymphoma may include: Fever. Night sweats. Fatigue. ... Lymphoma symptoms are like those of many more common conditions, such as infections. The healthcare professional may check for those causes first.

Diagnostic Tests for Childhood Lymphoma

Childhood lymphoma diagnosis involves a series of tests to determine the presence and extent of cancer in the body. The following diagnostic tests are commonly used:

• Medical history and physical exam: A thorough medical history and physical examination by a doctor can help identify symptoms such as lumps, swollen glands, or other unusual findings that may indicate lymphoma.
• Blood tests: Blood tests, including complete blood count (CBC), can help determine how advanced the lymphoma is. Low blood cell counts may indicate that the lymphoma is growing in the bone marrow [11].
• Bone marrow biopsy: A bone marrow biopsy, performed under anesthesia, can look for lymphoma cells in the bone marrow [2].
• Lumbar puncture (spinal tap): A lumbar puncture can help detect lymphoma cells in the spinal fluid and identify if the cancer has spread to the brain and spinal cord fluid [4].
• Imaging tests: Imaging tests such as ultrasound, MRI, or CT scans may be ordered to visualize the extent of cancer in the body [7][8].

Additional Tests

Other diagnostic tests that may be used include:

• PET/CT scan: A PET/CT scan can help determine how advanced the lymphoma is and if it has spread to other parts of the body [8].
• Staging tests: Staging tests, such as imaging studies and bone marrow evaluation, are used to determine the extent of cancer in the body and anticipated response to treatment [9][12].

References

[1] - The exams and tests below might be done to diagnose lymphoma, to find out what type it is, and to learn how advanced it is. [2] - bone marrow biopsy, which is performed under anesthesia, to look for lymphoma in the bone marrow [3] - A diagnosis for lymphoma in children often starts with the disease’s symptoms leading to a trip to the doctor. [4] - Although these tests aren’t used to initially diagnose childhood lymphoma, they may be used after diagnosis to determine if the lymphoma has reached the bone marrow. [5] - Childhood non-Hodgkin lymphoma is typically a fast-growing cancer, so our specialists work quickly to ensure that your child starts the necessary treatment as soon as possible. [6] - Tests to diagnose childhood non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), such as biopsy, are done when symptoms are present. [7] - If the doctor is concerned about a diagnosis of lymphoma, they may order blood tests and imaging exams such as ultrasound (US), MRI, or a CT scan. [8] - Nov 30, 2021 — blood tests to find out how lymphoma is affecting your child and to check their general health; scans such as a PET/CT scan, MRI scan, ... [9] - Nov 1, 2024 — Stages for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in Children [10] - Tests for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in Children [11] - Blood tests. Blood tests are not used to diagnose lymphoma, but they can sometimes help determine how advanced the lymphoma is. [12] - Tests for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in Children Stages for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in Children

Chemotherapy: The Mainstay of Childhood Lymphoma Treatment

Childhood lymphoma treatment often involves a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplant. Chemotherapy is the main treatment for children and teens with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), as it can reach all parts of the body and kill cancer cells.

Types of Chemotherapy Drugs Used

Several different chemotherapy drugs are combined to provide the most effective treatment for lymphoma. Commonly used drugs in the treatment of lymphoma include:

• Cyclophosphamide
• Doxorubicin
• Vincristine
• Prednisone
• Methotrexate

These drugs work by interfering with the cancer cells' ability to grow or reproduce.

Targeted Therapy: A New Approach

In addition to chemotherapy, targeted therapy is another form of treatment used in childhood lymphomas. Targeted therapy uses specific medications that target certain proteins on the surface of cancer cells. For example, rituximab is a monoclonal antibody that targets the CD30 protein on some lymphoma cells.

Chemotherapy May Involve a Single Drug or Combination

Chemotherapy may involve a single drug or a combination of two or more drugs, depending on the type of cancer and how fast it is growing. The lymph system carries fluids throughout the body, which allows lymphoma to spread easily. Chemotherapy can also travel throughout the body easily, making it the most common treatment for lymphoma.

References:

• [1] Childhood non-Hodgkin lymphoma treatment can include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplant.
• [2] Chemotherapy in Children with Lymphoma Your child’s lymphoma treatment usually begins with a combination of chemotherapy drugs.
• [3] Chemotherapy (sometimes along with other drugs) is the main treatment for children and teens with NHL, because it can reach all parts of the body and kill ...
• [4] Childhood HL is generally treated using chemotherapy, with or without radiation therapy.
• [5] Chemotherapy may involve a single drug or a combination of two or more drugs, depending on the type of cancer and how fast it is growing.