There are four different types of lymphoma, but in children the two most common types are Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymph nodes, though which white-blood cells are filtered into the circulatory system. Lymph nodes are often considered part of the immune system and can enlarge when infection is present in the body. Lymph nodes are located under the arms, under the jaw, in the chest and in the groin area of the body.
About
According to Mercy Children's Hospital, lymphomas are cancers that develop when cancerous cells grow in the lymphatic system, which is part of the circulatory and immune systems. Although there are two primary types of lymphatic cancer--Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma--the most common type of this illness is non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Tumors may grow in the lymph nodes of the neck and also may be present in the chest, bones and abdomen. Hodgkin's lymphoma primarily appears in the lymph nodes of the neck or chest, but may also appear in any of the other lymph nodes in the body.
Causes
Although the causes of lymphoma are not known, according to Mercy Children's Hospital, a child who has a history of a compromised immune system or autoimmune- system disorder may have a higher likelihood of developing cancer of the lymph nodes.
Symptoms
According to the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, most lymphatic cancers share similar symptoms. These include night sweats, unexplained fever, weight loss, loss of appetite and itchy skin. Swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, arm pits and groin is not usually painful, but they may be uncomfortable when pressed upon.
Diagnosis
The most common method of making a diagnosis of lymph-node cancer in children is to take a biopsy, according to the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. A biopsy procedure is often undertaken under either local or general anesthesia, and a small piece of tissue from the lymph node in question is taken surgically. It is examined under a microscope by a pathologist to determine if there is cancer present and, if so, what type of cancer. Determining the type of cancer present is important to help pediatric oncologists develop a treatment plan for the patient.
Treatments
According to the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and St. Jude Children's Hospital, the most common and effective treatment for lymph-node cancer is children is chemotherapy. Chemotherapy may be taken orally in pill form, by IV (intravenously) directly into the vein, given intrathecal into the spinal cord or by injecting it subcutaneously into the skin. Radiation therapy is not used as commonly, but may be used to address cancerous growths in large areas in conjunction with chemotherapy. The incidence rate for lymphoma in children (under the age of 20) is approximately 3 percent of all diagnosed cases annually and approximately 10 percent of all diagnosed cancers in children. It is considered a common cancer type that is on the rise. Survival and recovery from lymphoma in children is estimated to be between 70 and 90 percent.
Tags: lymph nodes, most common, Anderson Cancer, Anderson Cancer Center, Cancer Center