Lymphomas are malignant cell infiltrations of the lymphatic system. The lymph system includes the nodes with which many parents are familiar, located in the neck, armpit, and groin. These nodes are only part of the lymph system, as they are connected to each other and to the spleen, thymus, and parts of the tonsils, stomach, and small intestine. Once a malignancy begins in one part of the lymph system, it often spreads throughout the rest of the system before it is detected.
Lymphomas are broadly classified as Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's. The two are distinguished by cell type. They share similar symptoms such as painless swelling of the lymph nodes, fever and fatigue. Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas are more common with at least 15 different types. Hodgkin's generally occurs in individuals between 15-40 years of age, while non-Hodgkin's generally occurs in individuals between 30-70 years of age.
Today, Hodgkin's lymphoma is more curable than non-Hodgkin's. The cure rate varies according to the type of disease.
Signs and Symptoms
swollen lymph node, especially in the neck, armpit or groin
swelling of the face
weakness, tiredness
sweating, especially at night
unexplained fever
unexplained weight loss
abdominal pain or swelling
pain
breathing difficulties, occasional cough, sometimes difficulty in swallowing
In most cases of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a painless, firm swelling in the neck, the armpit, or the groin lymph nodes is present. Since extranodal sites are often involved, other less specific signs may occur. Gastrointestional tract involvement leads to abdominal pain, jaundice, diarrhea, gastrointestional bleeding, and constipation. If the spleen or liver are involved, they are enlarged. If the bone marrow is involved, neutropenia, fatigue, bleeding or bruising occurs.
What To Do
Take your child to the doctor, who will do a careful examination of your child and order the following tests:
complete blood count (CBC)
chest X-ray
At this point, many children will be found to have some other benign condition. In the majority of cases, the doctors take time to rule out a lot of other things, especially lung diseases and leukemia.
If initial tests confirm that your child may have a lymphoma, the doctor may refer you to a pediatric hematologist/oncologist, who may do a biopsy of any lumps or tumor to confirm what type of lymphoma it is. Also, a bone marrow aspiration may be ordered and CT scans, and possibly other tests as needed in your child's individual situation.
Lymphomas are usually treated by a combination of chemotherapy, radiation, and/or bone marrow transplants. The cure rate varies greatly depending on the type of lymphoma and the progression of the disease..