All childhood cancers are rare, but some are more common than others. Pediatric lymphoma is the third most common form of pediatric cancer found in children. Breakthroughs in treatment have led to amazing outcomes. About 90% of children who are diagnosed with pediatric lymphoma are cured and go on to live long lives.
Siteman Kids patients are treated by WashU Medicine physicians. They are experts who provide excellent care to children at St. Louis Children’s Hospital while they also are hard at work in a laboratory setting learning more about the disease and discovering new ways to treat it. Because many physicians at Siteman Kids are researching the biology of how lymphoma acts in the body, they can use research-based clinical care, thoughtfully considering the individual child and what they may need rather than only following protocols for standard treatments.
Every child with cancer is different, and every treatment plan for pediatric lymphoma is unique. There are many considerations for how to treat pediatric lymphoma, including your child’s overall health, the kind of lymphoma – if it is Hodgkin’s or non-Hodgkin’s – and its subtype, any genetic components, the cancer stage, and more. After learning about their specific case, your child’s physician may recommend one or more of the following treatments:
Chemotherapy is the main treatment for most lymphomas in children. It is a medicine that attacks cancer cells. Often the drugs in chemotherapy stop cancer cells from growing and reproducing. Chemotherapy (or chemo) may be given through a vein (IV) or spinal canal, injected into a muscle, or taken by mouth. There are several medicines that make up chemotherapy and they are often given at different times. Treatment can have side effects and can be hard on the body, so it is usually done in cycles, with rest periods in between. This gives your child time to recover.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays or other types of radiation to target cancer cells. The radiation itself changes the cancer cells’ ability to grow and damages them so they cannot reproduce. Radiation is only used in rare circumstances to treat lymphomas.
Another approach to chemotherapy can take place alongside a stem cell transplant. First, young blood cells, called stem cells, are taken from the child or from a donor. Then, high doses of chemotherapy medicine can be administered. This causes damage to the bone marrow. After the chemotherapy, the stem cells are replaced. The new immune system can then recognize the leukemia cells as foreign and kill them.
Targeted therapy is a cutting-edge form of precision medicine that can be used to treat different kinds of Hodgkin’s lymphoma by disrupting the molecules that signal the cancer cells to multiply. In another kind of targeted therapy monoclonal antibodies are engineered in a lab specifically to combat lymphoma. Because the antibody and drug combined is an “exact fit,” it can be absorbed by the body, carrying chemotherapy into cells right where it is needed.
Surgery is used in some cases of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma because this cancer type can cause tumors to form in the body. Surgery is a way to remove these tumors and, if needed, the area around them.
Clinical trials are research studies designed to give patients access to innovative treatments before they are available everywhere while providing vital information about treating pediatric cancers. Clinical trials for children often take place at multiple locations across the nation. Siteman Kids is proud to lead some of these research efforts. Learn more about pediatric clinical trials here.
It is important to note that your child’s well-being is a priority during diagnostic testing. Our care team tries to ease any fears or pain a patient has during testing. If needed, we can use light sedation to limit stress and help children feel more comfortable for more involved procedures.
Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital is also an extension of WashU Medicine, which means physicians, nurse practitioners and clinicians leverage the knowledge the whole the academic institution offers for their pediatric patients.
Talk with a Care Coordinator
Nurses at Siteman answer every call and every form. Speak with them directly 8:00 am to 4:30 pm CT Monday- Friday for guidance on appointments, second opinions, and referrals.
The Pediatric Hematopoietic Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program at Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital cares for children with blood cancers and other blood, metabolic and immune disorders.
Our program provides an extensive range of innovative, research-based treatments that can eradicate these diseases and disorders. Our multidisciplinary team of WashU Medicine physicians customizes a treatment plan for each patient, giving them the best chance for cure.
With an extensive team of transplant specialists, we care for all aspects of age-based patient care, and provide therapy services, education, psychosocial support, and much more to ensure the best possible recovery for our pediatric patients.
At Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, patients and their families are our top priority. We want you to feel comfortable and confident in your decision to trust us with your child’s care.
What are some of the diagnoses treated in the Pediatric Hematopoietic Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program?
Our program treats many disorders and diseases including:
Aplastic Anemia and other bone marrow failure disorders
Stem cell transplantation, immune cell therapies, and gene therapy can be highly effective treatments for children with certain kinds of high-risk cancers and other serious disorders.
Families with kids who are facing sickle-cell disease, bone marrow defects and immune disorders seek out Siteman Kids’ program because the treatments we offer can restore normal function in bone marrow and related cells.
We also give pediatric patients the ability to use their immune systems to fight off disease.
Stem cell transplants, formerly called bone marrow transplants, are a well-established and potentially curative treatment for blood cancers, like leukemia or lymphoma, and other hematologic (blood), immune and metabolic conditions.
Stem cells come from a few different sources in the body. The most stem cells are found in bone marrow, the porous, spongy material in the center of the bones.
Stem cells also circulate in the blood and are in umbilical cord blood, too. Transplanted stem cells are able to make normal blood cells, including immune cells, red blood cells, platelets and vital enzymes.
When considering a stem cell transplant, your child’s physicians will discuss and approach the best treatment for their diagnosis. Healthy stem cells are needed for this procedure and can come from the patient or from a compatible donor. Who the cells come from will determine how and when the cells are collected.
If your child is having their cells removed, they will be collected before having chemotherapy as a way to keep the stem cells safe during treatment. Then, after the chemotherapy, the stem cells are given back to the patient through an IV to rebuild the immune system.
Each kind of stem cell transplant a child can receive, from themselves, a donor, or umbilical cord blood, can be grouped together in the same category: hematopoietic stem cell transplants.
Cellular therapy is an innovative approach to treating several different cancers. In cellular therapy, the patient has cells removed from their body, and then those cells are genetically altered to begin to fight cancer cells.
The process includes several steps. First, immune cells are collected from the patient or a compatible donor. Next, these immune cells are genetically altered to target particular cancers. Then the cells are returned to the patient through an infusion. The final stage of cellular therapy begins when genetically altered immune cells attack and kill the cancer cells.
Some of these therapies are available in specific clinical trials while others are standard of care.
In patients with genetic disorders, the patient’s stem cells are collected and then modified to correct the gene function. Then those cells are infused back into the patient to correct the disorder. Gene therapy is often a treatment used for sickle cell disease.
Siteman Kids is a leader in pediatric cancer care, and one way we bring breakthroughs to children’s bedsides is through clinical trials. A clinical trial is a research study that investigates new medical therapies, technology and more. Each study offers young patients additional treatment options that have not become the standard of care yet. Physicians at Siteman Kids will discuss if they believe your child could benefit from a clinical trial as part of their care.
What Makes Siteman Kids Different?
When St. Louis Children’s Hospital began using stem cell transplants in 1991, it was an innovative approach to helping children with different health conditions. It was the first program of its kind in Missouri, offering hope to families.
It began a legacy of excellence that continues at Siteman Kids today with specialized programs and state-of-the-art clinical trials in pediatrics. Siteman Kids continues to give pediatric patients and their families cutting-edge care by:
Creating individualized treatment plans that bring kids the most benefits while reducing the toxicity that can come with interventions
Leading clinical trials that are available only at select centers in the country
Offering tumor targeted cellular therapies and gene therapies for genetic defects
Why you should choose Siteman Kids for stem cell transplants and cellular therapy:
Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital offers cutting-edge care with a focus on not just your child, but on your family as well. Families at Siteman Kids are seen by WashU Medicine physicians who have specialized in pediatric medicine and are leading clinical trials and research studies to unlock new treatments for curing disease. U.S. News and World Report ranks us #1 in the St. Louis region for pediatric cancer care.
How Siteman Kids’ expertise sets us apart from other pediatric cancer centers:
We prioritize child and family well-being. Our pediatric hospital and oncology specialists prioritize a child’s learning, growth, and development when creating their unique treatment plan. And we deliver family-centered care through comprehensive support services for parents, caregivers, and siblings.
We bring scientific breakthroughs to the bedside. Physicians at Siteman Kids are clinicians and researchers. Because they excel at caring for children and studying cancer in a lab, our physicians take innovative approaches to curing their patients’ cancers.
We lead pediatric cancer research. Siteman Kids’ physician researchers lead and participate in national clinical trials. So our young patients have more opportunities to be enrolled and have access to the latest treatments at the earliest opportunity possible.
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.
Our oncology-trained care coordinators – nurses who help with scheduling and navigation – can help you through the process.Call us directly or submit a form, and we will call you back.
Treatment Options for Solid Tumors at Siteman Kids
Patients at Siteman Kids are treated by WashU Medicine physicians. They are experts who provide excellent care to children at St. Louis Children’s Hospital while also working hard in a laboratory setting to learn more about disease and discover new ways to treat it. Because many Siteman Kids physicians are researching the biology of tumors and how they act in the body, they are able to administer research-based clinical care, thoughtfully considering the individual child and what they may need rather than rigidly following the protocols of a pre-determined treatment plan.
Every child with cancer is different, and every treatment plan for a child with a tumor is unique. There are many considerations for how to treat a tumor, including your child’s overall health, the kind of tumor, the tumor’s location, its size, genetic factors, if there are multiple tumors and more. It is common for a treatment plan to combine different interventions at once or use them in stages.
Many of the treatment options offered at Siteman Kids are not available everywhere. WashU Medicine physicians have pioneered the use of specific technology and treatments, like Proton Beam Therapy and Gamma Knife Radiosurgery, with pediatric patients. This allows our young patients access to cutting-edge interventions. After learning about their specific case, your child’s physician may recommend one or more of the following treatments:
Brachytherapy is a form of precision therapy where a capsule about the size of a grain of rice containing radiation is implanted directly into the tumor. The tumor is exposed to radiation from the inside, killing the cancer cells while not exposing healthy tissues.
There are three kinds of brachytherapy used for pediatric patients: low dose, high dose and permanent. A benefit of brachytherapy is its precision. Where the implant is placed, the strength of the radiation inside the capsule, and the length of time it remains in the tumor are all adjusted specifically for the patient’s needs and how the tumor has responded to treatment.
Chemotherapy is a medicine that attacks cancer cells. It stops cancer cells from growing and reproducing and can reduce the tumor’s size. Chemotherapy (or chemo) may be given through a vein (IV) or spinal canal, injected into a muscle or deep tissue, or taken by mouth. There are several medicines that make up chemotherapy, and they are often given at different times. Treatment can have side effects and can be hard on the body, so it is usually done in cycles, with rest periods in between. This gives your child time to recover.
Cryotherapy is a tool that administers a cold substance, like nitrogen, to the tumor site. This freezes the cancer cells, making them unable to create new cancer cells and killing them.
Another approach to chemotherapy can take place alongside a stem cell transplant. First, young blood cells, called stem cells, are taken from the child or from a donor. Then, high doses of chemotherapy medicine can be administered, eliminating cancer cells remaining in the body. After chemotherapy, the stem cells are replaced, rejuvenating the child’s immune system.
Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy, or HIPEC, is a highly specialized treatment where chemotherapy is heated to maximize its effectiveness in killing cancer cells for tumors located in and around the reproductive organs and abdomen. The chemotherapy dosage is high and localized, circulating in the abdomen for about 90 minutes. The whole procedure takes place in three stages with goals to shrink the size of tumors, surgically remove them, and kill those cancer cells that are undetectable at the time of the procedure.
Intraoperative MRI is a treatment that uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to view the brain during surgery. This clear imaging allows surgeons a precise view of the tumor as they work to remove it from the healthy tissue. This ability to see the tumor can reduce the number of surgeries needed to remove all of the cancer cells.Siteman Kids is one of a very few facilities in the nation that are equipped with this technology.
Intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) is a therapy used to treat retinoblastomas. The procedure uses a tiny catheter to deliver chemotherapy right into the eye at tumor sites. Because chemotherapy in IAC is used in a localized, precise way, it can help avoid surgery to remove the eye. Siteman Kids is one of approximately 20 programs in the nation that perform IAC and is the only pediatric cancer center in Missouri or Kansas where it is available.
Immunotherapy uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells, or it uses antibodies to kill cancer cells. Immunotherapies come in many different forms, but the common thread is that the immune system can help kill leukemia cells that are otherwise resistant to chemotherapy.
An organ transplant is a surgical procedure or procedures where an organ is removed and then replaced with a healthy donor’s organ, or in some cases, part of an organ. The pediatric organ transplant teams at St. Louis Children’s hospital most often conduct kidney, liver and lung transplants for pediatric cancer patients. Siteman Kids specializes in pre- and post-surgical care as well as innovative transplant techniques. Our transplant teams are experienced in lung lobe implantations and trimmed liver transplants, procedures that allow patients to receive lifesaving care sooner than waiting for a whole organ match.
St. Louis Children’s Hospital has a dedicated, lead-lined room and adjoining suite specifically to administer MIGB therapy. MIGB therapy is an investigational radiation drug The adjoining suite allows families to be close to their child during and after the treatment.
Proton Beam Therapy uses a different form of radiation, proton particles, to destroy cancer cells. Proton particles act differently than other forms of radiation, so they are able to be used in patients in higher doses. The proton beam sends radiation to highly specific areas, concentrating on the tumor and minimizing the healthy tissue’s exposure to it.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays or other types of radiation to target cancer cells. The radiation itself changes the cancer cells’ ability to grow and damages them so they cannot reproduce. There are many different ways to administer radiation that are precise and limit exposure to the whole body. Radiation can be applied to a targeted location in the brain so that other areas are not impacted.
Surgery is often the first intervention used with pediatric brain tumors. As much of the tumor is surgically removed as possible.
Targeted therapy is a cutting-edge form of precision medicine that uses drugs to single out mutations or antibodies that are specific to how leukemia is created and spreads in the body. In some cases, the mutations that cause leukemia also make it vulnerable to specific drugs that have only limited effects on normal cells. This means that healthy cells have limited contact with the medicine, so they remain unharmed. Some of these medical therapies can be used in combination with chemotherapy.
Thermotherapy uses a laser to destroy cancer cells. This may be used for some small tumors, or it may be used in combination with chemotherapy or radiation for larger tumors.
Clinical trials are research studies designed to give patients access to innovative treatments before they are available everywhere while providing valuable information about treating pediatric cancers. Clinical trials for children often take place at multiple locations across the nation. Siteman Kids is proud to lead some of these research efforts.
It is important to note that your child’s well-being is a priority during diagnostic testing. Our care team tries to ease any fears or pain a patient has during testing. If needed, we can use light sedation to limit stress and help children feel more comfortable for more involved procedures.
Talk with a Care Coordinator
Nurses at Siteman answer every call and every form. Speak with them directly 8:00 am to 4:30 pm CT Monday- Friday for guidance on appointments, second opinions, and referrals.
What Are Pediatric Solid Tumors? Are There Different Kinds?
A tumor is a term that describes a group of cells, or mass, that is not normally found in blood cells. A “solid” tumor is a way to describe the abnormal group of cells that make it up. Most cells that form a solid tumor are all the same type, without any cysts, liquids, or other kinds of cells inside of it.
There are many kinds of solid tumors and they can be grouped into two categories: malignant or benign. If the cells can spread, a tumor is considered cancerous, or malignant, and if the cells can’t spread, those tumors are called “benign.”
Solid tumors in children are rare, and they can develop in many different parts of the body. Identifying if a child has a solid tumor, if it is malignant or benign, and testing to see what kind of tumor cells are present are all important steps in the diagnostic process.
What kinds of solid tumors do children develop?
There are many different kinds of solid tumors that children can develop throughout the body. Most pediatric solid tumors are rare, with only a few cases in the U.S. each year. These young patients need a multidisciplinary approach to diagnose and treat them; our expertise is why so many families bring their child to Siteman Kids.
Siteman Kids’ experts treat every kind of solid tumor, including:
There are a few pediatric solid tumors that grow in or on the liver. All are rare in children. Through diagnostic testing, physicians can determine what kind of tumor is present and recommend specialized treatment.
Skin cancers that develop in children are not like skin cancers found in adults. These cancers in kids can appear anywhere on the skin are not caused by sun exposure. Sometimes a child’s birthmark predisposes them to develop a form of skin cancer. Certain skin cancers can develop in a wide age range of children and may appear in preteens and teenagers.
Retinoblastoma is a rare tumor that grows in the eye. It impacts the retina, which is located in the back of the eye.
A sarcoma is a solid tumor that grows within soft tissues in a child’s body – like muscles, tendons and connective tissue – or within their bones. Because bones and soft tissues are found within the entire body, sarcomas can grow anywhere and are able to spread. Most often children develop three kinds of sarcomas but our team of experts are experienced treating many more rare kinds of sarcoma. Some include:
Desmoid tumors
Infantile fibrosarcoma
Non-rhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcoma (synovial sarcoma, alveolar soft part sarcoma, desmoplastic small round cell tumor)
Thyroid cancer in children and young adults can sometimes be felt or seen as a lump in front of the neck on the thyroid gland or in the nearby lymph nodes. Thyroid cancer, also called thyroid carcinoma, can spread to the lymph nodes or beyond, sometimes into the lungs. There are a few different types of thyroid carcinoma that children develop, some of which are more common in adults. Siteman Kids experts have experience treating each of these thyroid cancers with a number of techniques including radiation, surgery and more.
Anaplastic thyroid cancer
Follicular thyroid carcinoma
Medulary thyroid carcinoma
Papillary thyroid carcinoma
Is a brain tumor a kind of solid tumor?
Yes, a pediatric brain tumor is considered a kind of solid tumor. But because brain tumors are one of the most common kinds of pediatric cancer, and because treating them requires a neuro-oncologist, they are often discussed as a separate kind of cancer. If your child has a brain tumor diagnosis, and you would like to learn more about the specialized care Siteman Kids offers them, click here.
What Causes Solid Tumors in Children?
Hearing your child has a solid tumor is scary and brings up a lot of questions, including how this happened. Right now, the answer isn’t simple.
For the most part, the cause or causes of solid tumors that children develop are unknown, and physician-scientists are researching why they grow.
The most common and consistent risk factors are not preventable. These include inheriting certain genes that have a slight defect or having a syndrome such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome. But having an increased genetic risk, or even a syndrome doesn’t mean a child will develop cancer, and if there is a genetic risk, Siteman Kids can support your family through testing and counseling.
What Are the Early Symptoms of a Pediatric Solid Tumor?
The symptoms a child with a pediatric solid tumor may experience will depend on many different factors, like the tumor’s location, the type of cells it contains, and its size. The symptoms of Ewing sarcoma may not be the same as the symptoms of a Wilms tumor.
Solid tumor symptoms and their severity can vary, and some need immediate medical care. Seek medical care if your child is experiencing:
Abdominal pain
A visible lump
Nausea and vomiting
Fever
Trouble with bowel movements (constipation)
Blood in urine
Coughing, chest pain or trouble breathing (dyspnea)
Painless swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, chest, abdomen, underarm, or groin
Sore throat
Bone and joint pain
A broken bone without known trauma
Night sweats
Tiring easily (fatigue)
Weight loss and/or poor appetite
Recurring infections
Many of the symptoms of pediatric cancers, including solid tumors, are similar to other common illnesses. Not all pediatric solid tumors have symptoms even when they’ve grown very large.
Parents should see their pediatrician if they suspect their child is sick, especially if their child has been sick for more than a week. It’s also important to take your child for regular check-ups so the pediatrician can make sure they are growing and developing appropriately.
How Are Solid Tumors Diagnosed in Children?
There are several tests a physician can do to determine if your child has a solid tumor. Some of these will be tests your child has done before, like a blood test, and others will be new.
Blood tests: Blood tests may be done to check for substances that are released by some tumors. These are called tumor markers.
Bone scan: A small amount of radioactive dye is injected into a vein. The whole body is scanned. The dye shows up in areas of bone where there may be cancer
CT scan: A CT scan uses a series of X-rays and a computer to make detailed pictures of the body.
MRI: An MRI uses large magnets, radio waves, and a computer to make detailed pictures of the body. Contrast dye may be injected into your child’s vein. It helps cancer cells be seen more clearly.
Positron emission tomography (PET) scan: For this test, radioactive sugar is injected into the bloodstream for cancer cells to take in. A PET scan can show cancer cells in different areas of the body and is often used in combination with a CT scan. This is called a PET/CT scan.
Tumor biopsy: To learn exactly what kind of cells are in a tumor, some of the cells are removed, or biopsied, and sent to a lab for testing. This is done to determine the type of tumor, how quickly it is likely to grow and if it is capable of spreading.
Ultrasound: In an ultrasound, sound waves and a computer are used to create images. An ultrasound may be done to check different areas in your child’s body like the abdomen, eyes, or kidneys. Sometimes an ultrasound is used to guide a needle during a biopsy.
X-rays: X-rays may be done to check your child’s chest or bones to see how dense they are and if any other growths have formed along them.
It is important to note that your child’s well-being is a priority during diagnostic testing. Our care team tries to ease any fears or pain a patient has during testing. If needed, we can use light sedation to limit stress and help children feel more comfortable for more involved procedures.
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.
Why Choose Siteman Kids for Treating Pediatric Solid Tumors?
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 choose Siteman Kids for our:
Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital brings expertise to children’s bedsides with oncology specialists, nurses, therapists, Child Life specialists, and support services so that your child’s learning, growth, and development are all important aspects of the treatment plan.
When children are treated for cancer, they may need pediatric specialists added to their oncology team. Pediatric surgeons, cardiologists, neurologists, and orthopedists from St. Louis Children’s Hospital can be added seamlessly to existing multidisciplinary care teams.
Our physiciansare often leading research in pediatric cancer as they work with young patients in the clinic, bringing innovation and breakthroughs to bedsides.
Kids with cancer are often encouraged to participate in clinical trials. Because of their commitment to research, Siteman Kids is a site for many nationwide clinical trials and leads its own clinical trial research. This means eligible patients at Siteman Kids and their families won’t need to travel to enroll if they are eligible to participate.
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.
Our oncology-trained care coordinators – nurses who help with scheduling and navigation – can help you through the process.Call us directly or submit a form, and we will call you back.
Our oncology-trained care coordinators – nurses who help with scheduling and navigation – can help you through the process.Call us directly or submit a form, and we will call you back.
The Pediatric Solid Tumor Program at Siteman Kids is a concentrated effort to treat and cure children diagnosed with a tumor or tumors.
Most tumors, known generally as “solid tumors,” are rare in children, so our multidisciplinary team of WashU Medicine physicians develop a unique treatment plan for every child we care for.
Teams can include pediatric oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, physical therapists, psychologists, nutritionists, Child Life specialists, and more. We follow a child-first model for all of our care, focusing on treatments that lead patients to a cancer-free life while protecting their childhood.
Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital is the only children’s hospital in Missouri that receives funding from the National Cancer Institute for ongoing research. This funding helps drive our cutting-edge medical care for the pediatric patients and families we serve in our region, our nation and the world.
Our Pediatric Solid Tumor Program brings research, innovation and expertise to children’s bedsides. With tools like proton bean therapy and MIBG therapy and experts who have the ability to unlock these technologies’ full potential, we are helping our patients focus on being a kid with their family.
Why Choose Siteman Kids?
Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital offers cutting-edge care with a focus on not just your child, but on your family as well. Families at Siteman Kids are seen by WashU Medicine physicians who have specialized in pediatric medicine and are leading clinical trials and research studies to unlock new treatments for curing disease. U.S. News and World Report ranks us #1 in the St. Louis region for pediatric cancer care.
How Siteman Kids’ expertise sets us apart from other pediatric cancer centers:
We prioritize child and family well-being. Our pediatric hospital and oncology specialists prioritize a child’s learning, growth, and development when creating their unique treatment plan. And we deliver family-centered care through comprehensive support services for parents, caregivers, and siblings.
We bring scientific breakthroughs to the bedside. Physicians at Siteman Kids are clinicians and researchers. Because they excel at caring for children and studying cancer in a lab, our physicians take innovative approaches to curing their patients’ cancers.
We lead pediatric cancer research. Siteman Kids’ physician researchers lead and participate in national clinical trials. So our young patients have more opportunities to be enrolled and have access to the latest treatments at the earliest opportunity possible.
Our oncology-trained care coordinators – nurses who help with scheduling and navigation – can help you through the process.Call us directly or submit a form, and we will call you back.
Our Siteman care coordinators – oncology-trained nurses who help with scheduling, finding the right specialist, and guidance – can help you through the process.
Call us directly or submit a form, and we will call you back.
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:
Urine sample
Lumbar puncture
Pleural or peritoneal fluid sampling
Chest X-ray
MRI scan
Ultrasound
PET scan
Biopsy of lymph node
Aspiration of bone marrow
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.
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.
Our oncology-trained care coordinators – nurses who help with scheduling and navigation – can help you through the process.Call us directly or submit a form, and we will call you back.
What is Pediatric Leukemia? Are There Different Kinds?
Pediatric leukemia is a cancer that shows up in blood cells. It often starts in bone marrow, the center part of bones, where blood cells are created in the body. The causes of leukemia in children aren’t understood yet, but once it starts, the body makes blood cells that are not typical and those reproduce quickly. Soon the unhealthy cells outnumber the healthy blood cells and cause different physical symptoms. Many of these symptoms are because the blood cannot carry out its normal jobs like protecting against infections and carrying oxygen.
There are several different types of pediatric leukemias. Some are more common than others. WashU Medicine physicians at Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital are well-versed in treating even the rarest blood cancers.
It is important to know pediatric leukemia can’t be prevented, and the symptoms of leukemia can be easily taken for more common illnesses. If you are a parent or a caregiver of a child with leukemia, you did not do anything wrong.
What Are the Early Symptoms of Pediatric Leukemia?
If a physician suspects your child has leukemia, they will order further testing of a sample of your child’s blood, called a complete blood count. A complete blood count can show an abnormal level of red blood cells, white blood cells or platelet cells. You wouldn’t know for certain what was going on until a doctor or provider ordered blood work and studied the results.
Common early symptoms include:
Pale skin
Feeling tired, weak, or cold
Dizziness
Headaches
Shortness of breath, trouble breathing
Frequent or long-term infections
Fever
Easy bruising or bleeding, such as nosebleeds or bleeding gums
Bone and/or joint pain
Abdominal swelling
Poor appetite and weight loss
Swollen lymph glands (nodes)
How is Leukemia Diagnosed in Children?
If your child is experiencing these symptoms and has not had blood tests done, let your pediatrician know. They can assess your child and refer to a pediatric oncologist for additional workup. From there a pediatric leukemia diagnosis often requires more tests.
Some tests that your physician may order include:
Bone marrow samples, aspiration or biopsy
X-ray
Ultrasound (sonography)
Lymph node biopsy
Lumbar puncture
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.
Why Choose Siteman Kids for Treating Pediatric Leukemia?
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.
Our oncology-trained care coordinators – nurses who help with scheduling and navigation – can help you through the process.Call us directly or submit a form, and we will call you back.
The Pediatric Leukemia and Lymphoma Program at Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital specializes in treating children who have been diagnosed with a type of blood cancer. Blood cancers include kinds of pediatric leukemia and pediatric lymphoma and make up the largest number of children diagnosed with cancer each year. Siteman Kids’ teams of specialists are experienced in treating and curing young children diagnosed with leukemia or lymphoma, and they are also researching why these diseases begin, how to prevent them and innovating new treatments.
Ongoing research is a top priority of Siteman Kids’ Pediatric Leukemia and Lymphoma Program. To unlock new treatment tools, physician-researchers have established strong, collaborative relationships. The group leads research within WashU Medicine’s McDonnell Pediatric Cancer Center. The program’s concentrations on basic and applied research accelerate the process of bringing new breakthroughs to children’s bedsides. Additionally, there is an active, close-working relationship with the Pediatric Hematopoietic Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program.
Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital offers cutting-edge care with a focus on not just your child, but on your family as well. Families at Siteman Kids are seen by WashU Medicine physicians who have specialized in pediatric medicine and are leading clinical trials and research studies to unlock new treatments for curing disease. U.S. News and World Report ranks us #1 in the St. Louis region for pediatric cancer care.
How Siteman Kids’ expertise sets us apart from other pediatric cancer centers:
We prioritize child and family well-being. Our pediatric hospital and oncology specialists prioritize a child’s learning, growth, and development when creating their unique treatment plan. And we deliver family-centered care through comprehensive support services for parents, caregivers, and siblings.
We bring scientific breakthroughs to the bedside. Physicians at Siteman Kids are clinicians and researchers. Because they excel at caring for children and studying cancer in a lab, our physicians take innovative approaches to curing their patients’ cancers.
We lead pediatric cancer research. Siteman Kids’ physician researchers lead and participate in national clinical trials. So our young patients have more opportunities to be enrolled and have access to the latest treatments at the earliest opportunity possible.
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.
Our oncology-trained care coordinators – nurses who help with scheduling and navigation – can help you through the process.Call us directly or submit a form, and we will call you back.
