Lymphoma Symptoms in Children

Lymphoma is one of the major types of cancer. Cancer is a disease where a growth of a malignant tumor due to abnormal and uncontrolled cell division is observed. Cancerous growth (tumor) can arise in any part of the body. The uncontrolled cell division then invades other tissues and destroys them. Cancerous cells travel to other parts of the body through the blood or lymph and affects the whole body. It should be noted that not all tumors are malignant. Non-cancerous tumors are known as benign tumors and they aren't cancerous.

There are several types of cancers, viz., Carcinoma, Sarcoma, Lymphoma, Leukemia, etc. All are fatal, but, some of them can be treated in their primary stage. If detected and treated at an early stage, one can control the spread of cancer in all parts of body. Lymphoma is one of the major types of cancer commonly found in people all over the world.

What is Lymphoma?
It is a cancer that originates in the lymphocytes (white blood cells) of the immune system of the body. In case of lymphoma, a malignant tumor may arise in any part of the lymphatic system, like the lymph glands (or lymph nodes), spleen, thymus, adenoids, etc. It originates only in the lymphatic system. Depending upon the appearance of the malignant cells, lymphoma is categorized into Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

In case of Hodgkin's lymphoma, the cancerous cells spread systematically from one lymph node to another. Hodgkin's disease is also distinguished by the presence of specific types of cells known as the Reed-Sternberg cells. In case of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, the Reed-Sternberg cells are completely absent.

Symptoms of Lymphoma in Children
Here are the common signs of lymphoma observed in children:

• Continued weight loss (without any reason)
• Lumps, swelling or mass in joints, armpits
• Weakness or tiredness
• Swelling of face
• Excess sweating at night
• Difficulty in breathing
• Frequent and persistent fever
• Constant infections

Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Swelling in the lymph nodes, without noticeable pain, is the most common symptom of Hodgkin's Lymphoma. The swelling originates in the neck and spreads to the lymph nodes in other joints like the groin, or armpits.

• Weight loss
• Night sweat
• Severe itching
• Fever
• Cough

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is more common in children below 10 years of age. There are several possible symptoms of the non-Hodgkin's lymphoma which appear depending upon the location of the tumor. These include:

• Pain in abdomen
• Respiratory problems
• Joint pain
• Night sweat
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Itching
• Loss of appetite
• Sore throat
• Infection

Treatment of Lymphoma
If the above symptoms are observed, you should take your child to the doctor immediately. After examination, the doctor will advice to undertake tests like the CBC (complete blood count), CT scan and X-ray. The presence of cancerous or benign tumor can be confirmed by these tests. For further treatment, you should visit the oncologist. Similar to other cancer types, lymphoma treatment includes antibiotics, chemotherapy, radiation, or bone marrow transplants.

One should remember that the cure of cancer depends completely upon the type and progression of the disease. Therefore, lymphoma symptoms in children should be identified as early as possible to prevent the spread of the disease further.