Pediatric Lymphoma

What is Pediatric Lymphoma? Are There Different Kinds?

Pediatric lymphoma is a cancer that begins within the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system, like the circulatory system, moves cells and fluid all throughout the body. One of its primary roles is to find and fight infections using lymphocytes, a kind of white blood cell. Pediatric lymphoma begins within lymphocyte cells.

A healthy body has signals to grow new cells when they are needed and signals to stop growing cells when there are enough. When lymphoma is present, the cells grow and do not recognize signals to stop producing additional cells. The growth and duplication of lymphocytes continues and is so rapid that soon, the organs in the lymphatic system become overwhelmed. This means that the lymph nodes, spleen and other organs can no longer take care of infections the way that they once did.

When lymphoma occurs, it begins in one area of the body, but because it is a part of a system, it can spread quickly throughout the body. Lymphoma is not like cancers found in a single organ that may stay in one location for a while.

There are several different types of pediatric lymphoma, but there are two main categories of the disease:

• Hodgkin Lymphoma 
• Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma  

There are many sub-types of both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas, so if lymphoma is suspected, your child’s physician will order several tests to determine if the illness is cancer and what type. Treatments can be customized based on the type of lymphoma the child has.  

What causes pediatric lymphoma?

It is important to know pediatric cancers like lymphoma can’t be prevented. WashU Medicine researchers and physician scientists at Siteman Kids are studying what may lead to developing Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This kind of pediatric cancer can occur more frequently if a child has had infections like the Epstein-Barr virus or HIV. But these viruses don’t cause lymphoma.

The symptoms of lymphoma come on suddenly and become severe quickly. Before things escalate, symptoms may be like common illnesses.  

What Are the Early Symptoms of Pediatric Lymphoma?

Early symptoms of both Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma seem like other common complaints like headaches, a stomachache or growing pains. These symptoms can become more intense in a very short period of time, becoming severe enough for a visit to the doctor or emergency room.

Common early symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain 
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Fever 
• Trouble with bowel movements (constipation) 
• Trouble breathing (dyspnea) 
• Coughing and/or chest pain 
• Painless swelling of the lymph nodes in neck, chest, abdomen, underarm, or groin 
• Sore throat 
• Bone and joint pain 
• Night sweats 
• Tiring easily (fatigue) 
• Weight loss and/or poor appetite 
• Itching of the skin (pruritus) 
• Recurring infections 

How is Lymphoma Diagnosed in Children?

A child experiencing any of the symptoms above lasting more than a day or two and increasing in intensity should consult a physician. Your pediatrician will likely order blood work as a first step. A complete blood cell count can show how many lymphocytes there are and there are more or less than would be expected. From there, your pediatrician may order additional tests or refer to a specialist. 

Some tests that your physician may order include: 

Second Opinions

Parents often first hear their child has cancer during an emergency room visit. Getting care soon is important, and there are always options for what is best for your child. Siteman Kids welcomes second opinions and offers unique treatment plans for each patient.

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Why Choose Siteman Kids for Treating Pediatric Lymphoma?  

After getting a correct diagnosis, the most important thing a parent or caregiver can do for their child is find the best care possible for them. Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital’s cutting-edge care stands out to families as they research pediatric oncology programs. 

Families at Siteman Kids are seen by WashU Medicine physicians who have specialized in pediatric medicine and are working on clinical trials and research studies to unlock new treatments for curing disease.

U.S. News and World Report ranks us #12 in the nation for neurosurgery and neurology programs and as one of the nation’s top children’s hospitals. We are the only children’s hospital in Missouri that receives funding from the National Cancer Institute for ongoing research.

In addition to providing the best pediatric cancer care in the St. Louis region, the Siteman Kids pediatric brain tumor program is a member of the following international organizations:

• Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Consortium (PNOC)
• Children’s Oncology Group (COG)
• Childhood Brain Tumor Network (CBTN)
• COllaborative Network for NEuro-oncology Clinical Trials (CONNECT)

These organizations of experts all conduct research on brain tumors. Siteman Kids is the only member of PNOC in the region, attracting not just families from the area but also drawing patients from across the globe to be a part of the clinical trials offered.

At Siteman Kids, we care for the whole family. Our support services are extensive, providing professionals who care for the well-being of our young patients, their siblings and their caregivers.

• Psychologists guide children and their families through the many emotions that come from a cancer diagnosis with in-person and virtual visits.
• Child Life specialists assist in practical ways, educating your child on what procedures will be like, helping them learn coping strategies for their fears and stress and more.
• Educational liaisons help communicate and coordinate with your school district so there is a plan for continuing to learn, even when being in the classroom isn’t possible.
• Social workers guide adults through the many responsibilities and realities related to caretaking while balancing work and parenting.