Lymphomas are cancers that begin in the lymphatic system. The lymph nodes or glands are the most common lymphatic tissue known. There are other lymphatic tissues in our bodies. These include the spleen, thymus, tonsils, adenoids, bone marrow, and the lymph vessels. Many cancers eventually make their way into the lymphatic tissues, but lymphomas actually begin in the lymphatic system.
Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Hodgkin's lymphoma, also called Hodgkin's disease, is defined by Reed-Sternberg cells being found in the lymph nodes or other lymphatic tissues. Hodgkin's lymphoma can affect children and adults at any age. However, it most commonly affects people between the ages of 15 and 40. There is no known cause for Hodgkin's disease. There is some evidence that indicates that certain infections may play a contributing role in the development of Hodgkin's disease.
Symptoms of Hodgkin's Lymphoma
The most common sign of Hodgkin's lymphoma is swelling in the lymph nodes that can last for a few weeks. The swelling normally begins in the lymph nodes in the neck, and moves to the lymph nodes in the armpits and groin. Children with Hodgkin's lymphoma may also have symptoms that include a high fever, coughing, shortness of breath, severe itching, night sweats and weight loss.
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is where the cells of the lymphatic system begin to reproduce abnormally. The abnormal cells can spread throughout the body. There are three common types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that are found in children. These types are lymphoblastic non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Burkitt's or non-Burkitt's lymphoma, and large cell or diffuse histiocytic non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Symptoms of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma often progresses very quickly. Symptoms can vary in location depending on where the abnormal mass or tumor is located. Symptoms of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma can include respiratory problems, abdominal pain, swelling of the lymph nodes, fever, sore throat, bone and joint pain, night sweats, fatigue, appetite loss, weight loss, itching and infections.
Considerations
Lymphomas are categorized in four different stages. The stages are used to show the extent of the cancer and will be determined by the size, position and if the cancer has spread. The letters A and B are used to classify the symptoms exhibited. If the child has no symptoms, the lymphoma will be classified as an A. If the child has weight loss, fever and night sweats, then the lymphoma will be classified as a B.
Lymphoma Treatment
How a child with lymphoma will be treated depends on a number of factors. These factors are the child's age, health, medical history, stage of the cancer and expected course of the cancer. There are several treatment options available. They may be done alone or in combination with another treatment. Treatments available are surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, bone marrow transplant, blood work monitoring, lumbar punctures,antibiotics, long-term follow up care and bone marrow examinations.
Tags: lymph nodes, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, bone marrow, Hodgkin disease, Hodgkin lymphoma