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Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Definition

Lymphoma, of which non-Hodgkin's lymphoma often serves as the "catch-all" name, is a cancer that begins in the lymphatic system. This system is a series of thin, hollow tubes that are similar to veins and arteries. They transport a clear, yellowish substance called lymph throughout our bodies. Along the path of these lymphatic vessels are small, bean-shaped glands, called lymph nodes. These lymph nodes contain cells called lymphocytes . This whole system plays an important role in immunity and fighting off disease. Lymphoma is a cancer in which cancerous lymphocytes grow out of control in a lymph node to form a tumor. Hodgkins disease is one type of lymphoma. As noted, the rest of the lymphomas are lumped together under the term "non-Hodgkin's lymphomas," and there are many different types.

Lymphoma is the third most common cancer in children in the United States. Approximately 10 percent of cancers in children less than 15 years of age are lymphomas.

Getting Diagnosed / Treatment

Lymphoma / Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma is treated at the U-M Cancer Center in the Pediatric Hematology Oncology Clinic.

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What are the symptoms of lymphoma?

Symptoms depend on the site and extent of disease. They may consist of a painless unexplained swelling in the head, neck, armpit, groin or abdomen. Cough from a chest mass is possible, as are bone pain and refusal to walk. Abdominal pain and vomiting may bring children with an abdominal lymphoma to medical attention. Lymphoma may spread to the bone marrow and cause abnormal blood counts. A complete evaluation by comprehensive physical examination, blood tests, bone marrow examination and a variety of x-rays is necessary to evaluate the spread of lymphoma before treatment can begin.

How is lymphoma treated?

The non Hodgkin's lymphomas consist of several different tumors. Types of therapy and the chance for cure depend not only upon the type of lymphoma but also upon how much the cancer has spread. Special studies are necessary to determine the type of lymphoma and the correct diagnosis. These special tests are called cytogenetics (sie-toe-gen-ET-iks) and immunophenotyping (im-yoo-no-FEE-no-typing) and are usually only available at larger children's hospitals and medical centers, such as the University of Michigan. Therefore, as with other forms of cancer, it is very important that children suspected of having lymphoma be referred to a hospital where specialists in the care of children with cancer are located.

How can I get more information about lymphoma?

Telephone our Cancer AnswerLine at 800-865-1125 or e-mail a nurse.

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