What is non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in children?

NHL is cancer that starts in the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is part of the immune system. It helps to fight diseases and infections. 

NHL results when the cells in the lymphatic system (lymphocytes) are changed (mutated) and grow out of control. These cells can spread to other organs and tissues in the body (metastasize). NHL is rare in children. But it can happen at any age. It tends to affect boys more often than girls. 

There are different types of NHL in children. But most tend to grow quickly. Your child's treatment team may order different tests based on what type of lymphoma is found. Treatment choices also depend on the specific type of lymphoma.

What causes non-Hodgkin lymphoma in a child?

Researchers don't know the exact cause of NHL. Inherited gene changes and some viral infections may increase a child’s risk of having NHL. Risk factors that might be linked to NHL include:                                                     

• Epstein-Barr virus infection, the virus that causes mono (mononucleosis)

• Infection with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS

• Past cancer treatment

• Certain immune diseases passed on in families (inherited syndromes)

• Taking antirejection medicines after organ transplant

What are the symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in a child?

In many cases, NHL in children may not cause symptoms until it has grown or spread. Many children have advanced disease at the time of diagnosis. This is because the symptoms start suddenly, and the tumors tend to grow fast. A child can become very sick in a very short time (a few days or weeks).

Signs and symptoms depend on the type of NHL and where it starts.

Symptoms of a belly (abdominal) tumor can include:

• Abdominal swelling or pain

• Nausea and vomiting

• Fever

• Trouble with bowel movements (constipation)

• Poor appetite

• Feeling full after eating only a small amount

Symptoms of a chest tumor include:

• Trouble breathing or swallowing

• Pain with deep breaths

• Cough or wheezing

• High-pitched breathing sounds

• Swelling or skin looks blue on the head and arms 

Other symptoms may include:

• Painless swelling of the lymph nodes in neck, chest, abdomen, underarm, or groin

• Fever for no known reason

• Sore throat

• Bone and joint pain

• Night sweats that soak pajamas and bedding

• Chills

• Tiring easily (fatigue)

• Weight loss

• Poor appetite

• Itching of the skin

• Recurring infections

The symptoms of NHL can be like those of many other health problems. Make sure your child sees a healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How is non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosed in a child?

Your child's healthcare provider will ask about your child's health history, family history, and symptoms. A physical exam will be done. Based on the findings, your child may need tests such as:

• Blood and urine tests. Blood and urine are collected and tested in a lab.

• Lymph node biopsy. A tiny piece of tissue, called a sample, is taken from the lymph nodes (or other abnormal areas). This is often done during surgery. The sample is tested for cancer cells. This type of biopsy is needed to diagnose NHL.

• Chest X-ray. A chest X-ray shows the heart, lungs, and other parts of the chest. It can show NHL that has spread to lymph nodes in the chest. 

• CT scan. This may be done to look at the abdomen, chest, and pelvis. A CT scan uses a series of X-rays and a computer to make detailed pictures of the inside of the body. Sometimes a dye is put in the blood to get clearer pictures.

• MRI scan. An MRI uses large magnets, radio waves, and a computer to make detailed pictures of the inside of the body. This test can be used to check the brain and spinal cord. Or it may be used if the results of an X-ray or CT scan are unclear. 

• Ultrasound. This is also called sonography. Sound waves and a computer are used to make pictures of blood vessels, tissues, and organs.

• PET scan. For this test, a radioactive sugar is put into the blood. Cancer cells use the sugar faster than normal cells, so the sugar will collect in cancer cells. A special camera is then used to scan the whole body to see where the radioactive sugar has collected. A PET scan can sometimes spot cancer in different parts of the body, even when they can’t be seen by other tests. This test is often used together with a CT scan. This is called a PET/CT scan.

• Bone marrow aspiration or biopsy.  Bone marrow is a thick liquid found in the center of some bones. It’s where blood cells are made. A small amount of bone marrow may be removed with a needle. This is called aspiration. Sometimes solid bone marrow tissue is taken with a bigger needle. This is called a core biopsy. Bone marrow is usually removed from the back of the hip bones. This test is done to see if there are cancer cells in the bone marrow.

• Lumbar puncture. A long, thin needle is put into the lower back, between the bones of the spine, and into the spinal canal. This is the area around the spinal cord and brain that contains fluid, called cerebral spinal fluid or CSF. CSF cushions and supports the spinal cord and brain. A small amount of CSF is removed and tested for cancer cells.

• Pleural or peritoneal fluid sampling. Fluid is removed from around the lungs (pleura) or abdomen (peritoneum). The fluid is checked for cancer cells.           

How is non-Hodgkin lymphoma treated in a child?

Treatment will depend on the lymphoma type and stage. NHL can be treated with any of these:

• Chemotherapy. Medicines that kill cancer cells or stop them from growing are used for this treatment. They may be given by IV (intravenous) into the vein, injected into tissue (as a shot), or taken by mouth. Chemo is the main treatment for NHL.

• Immunotherapy. These medicines work with your child's immune system to find and kill cancer cells.

• Surgery. Surgery may be done to remove tumors.

• Targeted therapy. These medicines target certain parts of cancer cells to kill them without harming a lot of healthy cells. The NHL cells must be tested to see if they have the targets these medicines work on.

• High-dose chemotherapy with a stem cell transplant.  Young blood cells (called stem cells) are taken from the child or from someone else. The child is then given a large amount of chemotherapy to damage or destroy the bone marrow. After the chemo, the stem cells are put into the blood. Over time, they rebuild the bone marrow.

• Radiation therapy. This treatment uses high-energy X-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells or help keep them from growing. It's not often used to treat NHL in children. But it might be used to treat serious problems caused by NHL tumors. For instance, it can shrink a tumor that's causing pressure or pain.

• Supportive care. Every kind of cancer treatment can cause side effects. Medicines and other treatments can be used to ease or help prevent side effects like pain, fever, infection, nausea, and vomiting.

• Clinical trials. Ask your child's healthcare provider if there are any treatments being tested that may work well for your child. Most children with cancer are treated as part of a clinical trial.

Your child will need follow-up care during and after treatment to:

• Check on their response to the treatment

• Manage the side effects of treatment

• Look for returning or spreading cancer

With treatment, most children with NHL go on to live long lives. With any cancer, how well a child is expected to recover (prognosis) varies. Keep in mind:           

• Getting medical treatment right away is important for the best outcomes. 

• Ongoing follow-up care during and after treatment is needed.

• New treatments are being tested to improve outcomes and to lessen side effects.

• Most children with cancer are cured.

What are possible complications of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in a child?

Possible complications depend on the type and stage of the lymphoma. They also vary a lot based on where the lymphoma is and how it's treated. Problems can include things like:

• Heart and blood vessel damage

• Lung problems

• Changes in thinking, learning, and memory

• Increased chance of other cancers later in life

• Trouble having children (infertility)

• Developmental and growth delays

• Death

Treatment may also cause side effects, such as:

• Increased risk of bleeding

• Increased risk for infection

• Nausea and vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Poor appetite

• Sores in the mouth

• Hair loss

Many treatment side effects can be dealt with to keep them from getting worse. There may even be things you can do to help prevent some of them. Most side effects go away over time after treatment ends. But some treatments can cause long-term side effects that may not show up until many years after your child finishes treatment. Ask your child's treatment team what you might expect.

How can I help my child live with non-Hodgkin lymphoma?

You can help your child manage their treatment in many ways. For instance:

• Get emotional support for your child. Find a counselor or child support group that can help.

• Make sure your child goes to all follow-up appointments.

• Your child may have trouble eating. A dietitian may be able to help.

• Your child may be very tired. They will need to balance rest and activity. Encourage your child to get some exercise. This is good for overall health. And it may help to lessen tiredness.

• If your child uses tobacco, help them quit. If your child doesn’t use tobacco, make sure they know the dangers of it and don't start. Also keep your child away from other people's tobacco smoke.

When should I call my child’s healthcare provider?

Talk to your child's treatment team about problems you should watch for. Call the healthcare provider if your child has:

• Symptoms that get worse

• New symptoms

• Side effects from treatment

It's important to know what problems to watch for and when you need to call the healthcare provider. Be sure you know what number to call to get help after office hours and on weekends and holidays.

Key points about non-Hodgkin lymphoma in children

• NHL is a type of cancer in the lymphatic system. 

• Symptoms depend on what part of the body is affected and where the tumor is. Common symptoms include painless swelling of lymph nodes, trouble breathing, night sweats, fever, and feeling tired.

• A lymph node biopsy is needed to diagnose NHL. Many other tests are also done.

• Treatment may include chemotherapy and other medicines, stem cell transplant, radiation, and surgery.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your child’s healthcare provider:

• Know the reason for the visit and what you want to happen.

• Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.

• At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new directions your provider gives you for your child.

• Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help your child. Also know what the side effects are.

• Ask if your child’s condition can be treated in other ways.

• Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.

• Know what to expect if your child does not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.

• If your child has a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.

• Know how you can contact your child’s provider after office hours and on holidays and weekends. This is important if your child becomes ill and you have questions or need advice.