Lymphoma

Our pediatric oncology and hematology team is experienced in treating both Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma in children. Mary Bridge Children’s provides personalized lymphoma care and support close to home, allowing you to focus on caring for your child without traveling far for doctor visits.

What is lymphoma?

Lymphoma is a blood cancer affecting the lymphatic system. The body’s lymphatic system carries lymph, a clear fluid containing lymphocytes (infection-fighting white blood cells). Lymph nodes are small glands located in areas such as the neck, armpit and groin that produce and filter lymph.

The two main types of lymphoma are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. If a certain type of abnormal cell called a Reed-Sternberg cell is present, that indicates Hodgkin lymphoma. All other cases are classified as non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Symptoms of lymphoma

Lymphoma symptoms can be similar to symptoms of less serious conditions. It’s important to be aware of the signs and talk to your child’s doctor if you notice any symptoms. The symptoms can vary based on the type of lymphoma, and often include:

• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits or groin that are not painful
• Fever
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Tiredness
• Night sweats
• Swollen belly
• Respiratory problems such as cough or shortness of breath

Diagnosing lymphoma

Specialists diagnose lymphoma using tests and imaging studies, including:

• Blood tests. Doctors often start with blood tests to measure your child’s levels of white blood cells, oxygen-carrying red blood cells and platelets responsible for clotting.
• X-ray. An X-ray uses high-energy beams to take pictures of the body’s internal structures.
• Computerized tomography (CT) scan. This procedure uses X-rays and computers to create detailed images of the body’s internal structures. The procedure requires your child to lie on a table that slides through a large doughnut-shaped machine.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An MRI uses radio waves and powerful magnets to create detailed images of your child’s internal organs. During the MRI, your child will need to lie on a table that slides into a tunnel-shaped machine.
• Positron emission tomography (PET) scan. A PET scan is a test used to detect tumors in bones and other tissues. Specialists inject a substance containing low levels of radiation. The cancer cells absorb the substance so they show up on images. Your child must lie on a small table in the PET scanner while radiologists take images.

Our child life services specialists are by your child’s side throughout diagnosis to explain procedures and provide distraction during blood draws or imaging tests. Learn more about diagnosis and imaging at Mary Bridge Children’s.

Lymphoma treatment

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are the main treatments used for lymphoma in children. Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells, while radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation beams to eliminate cancer cells.

Specialists will prescribe chemotherapy drugs based on the specific lymphoma type. Our pediatric radiation oncologist uses the most sophisticated radiation technology to minimize the effect of radiation on your growing child.