About 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.  

How is pediatric lymphoma diagnosed?

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. 

Further tests may include the following:

Can I ask for a second opinion about my child’s diagnosis?

You can always request a second opinion when researching how to get your child the best pediatric cancer care. It is your right, and it is a common practice; many programs and hospitals encourage it. Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital makes requesting a second opinion easy. It is important that you feel confident about the care your child is receiving. If you are interested in a second opinion from Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, request it here.   

Why do families choose Siteman Kids for pediatric leukemia?

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 choose us because of the expertise we offer them. And families stay with us when they see us treat their child with the care they deserve.  

Families at Siteman Kids are seen by WashU Medicine physicians who are specialized in pediatric medicine and are working on clinical trials and research studies to unlock new treatments for curing disease. U.S. News & World Report ranks us in the nation’s top children’s hospitals, and we are the only children’s hospital in Missouri that receives funding from the National Cancer Institute for ongoing research.  

Physicians in our program are internationally recognized as experts in pediatric lymphoma. Additionally, many hold leadership roles in national groups dedicated to treating childhood lymphomas, including: 

• The Children’s Oncology Group 
• The American Society of Hematology 
• The National Comprehensive Cancer Network 

Additionally, Siteman Kids cares 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. And families receive the comprehensive support of social workers who can guide adults through the many responsibilities and realities related to caretaking while balancing work and parenting.   

Click here to read more about Siteman Kids’ family services and resources.