The short answer
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymph system, part of the body's germ-fighting network. In children it comes in two main groups: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It is one of the most common childhood cancers, and many children are cured.
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymph system, part of the body's immune defenses.
The two main groups are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).
Lymphoma is among the most common childhood cancers.
A common sign is a painless swelling of lymph nodes, such as in the neck.
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The full explanation.
The simple version
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymph system — the network of vessels and nodes that helps the body fight infection. It is one of the most common cancers in children, and many children with lymphoma are cured.
The two main groups
Childhood lymphoma falls into two main groups that are treated differently:
- Hodgkin lymphoma — marked by a specific abnormal cell; often highly treatable
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) — a larger group of lymphomas without that cell
Symptoms
A common early sign is a painless swelling of the lymph nodes, such as in the neck, armpit, or groin. Other signs can include fever, night sweats, tiredness, and unexplained weight loss. Many of these can also be caused by common infections, so a doctor's evaluation is needed.
How it is treated
Treatment usually includes chemotherapy, sometimes combined with radiation therapy or targeted therapy, depending on the type and stage. Many children are cured, and treatment keeps improving through clinical trials.
Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma are treated differently, so an exact diagnosis matters.
Words to know
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Common questions
▸What is lymphoma?
Lymphoma is a cancer that begins in the lymph system, the network of vessels and nodes that helps fight infection. It is one of the most common childhood cancers.
▸What are the main types?
There are two main groups: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). They are treated differently, so an exact diagnosis matters.
▸What are the symptoms?
A common sign is painless swelling of lymph nodes, such as in the neck, armpit, or groin. Other signs can include fever, night sweats, tiredness, and weight loss.
▸How is it treated?
Treatment usually includes chemotherapy, sometimes with radiation therapy or targeted therapy, depending on the type and stage.
▸Can childhood lymphoma be cured?
Many children with lymphoma are cured. Your child's team can explain the outlook for the specific type and stage.
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