Home - health - Symptoms, Types, And Management Of Lymphoma In Children
Symptoms, types, and management of lymphoma in children

Symptoms, types, and management of lymphoma in children

Lymphoma is a cancer that grows in the body when white blood cells multiply. It is more common in adults than children, but cases in the latter can be cured with proper treatment. The causes of cancer in children are not known; however, if left untreated, it can lead to health complications. Therefore, early detection and prompt treatment are paramount to improving one’s chances of recovery. Here’s what one must know about lymphoma in children.

What happens in lymphoma?

The body has a lymphoid system in place, which forms a part of the immune system that ensures no pathogens can grow and cause harm. The lymphoid system primarily has specialized white blood cells called lymphocytes. They are located in the lymph nodes spread across the body, including the digestive tract and bone marrow. The lymph nodes filter foreign particles such as bacteria, viruses, and abnormal cells and stop the growth of cancer or other diseases. In lymphoma, lymphocyte growth is abnormal, which forms tumors and affects the lymph nodes. Since lymph nodes are spread throughout, the lymphoma can develop in any part of the body.

Common lymphoma in children
There are two types of lymphoma cancers in kids. They vary based on their characteristics and appearance under a microscope.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)
These cells attack seep into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain, spinal cord, and bone marrow. NHL can happen in kids of any age, but boys tend to develop NHL more than girls. Doctors are yet to identify exactly what causes it, but kids most likely to develop NHL have the following risk factors:

  • Weak immune system, which may either be inherited or develop as a result of any deficiencies
  • Children who already have DNA repair defects or ataxia telangiectasia

The non-Hodgkin lymphoma in children is further classified into sub-types, as follows:

  • Mature B cell lymphoma is a common type in children. It causes swollen lymph nodes in the throat, neck, or abdomen. In some cases, it may also affect the bones or bone marrow.
  • Another type of NHL is Lymphoblastic lymphoma (LL), which affects the T or B cells and inflames the glands or lymph nodes. It usually forms a tumor or mass in the middle of the chest and also spreads to the spinal fluid.
  • There is also Burkitt lymphoma, anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), low-grade lymphomas that develop slowly, and high-grade lymphoma.

Hodgkin Lymphoma :

Childhood Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that starts in the lymph system and is divided into classic and nodular lymphocyte-predominant. The classic Hodgkin lymphoma occurs mostly in adolescents, while the nodular one occurs in children younger than ten.

Symptoms
Symptoms vary from one child to another. Here are some of the most commonly seen signs and symptoms of both NHL and Hodgkin lymphoma.

Swollen lymph nodes:

Lymphoma, especially NHL, can manifest as a painless swelling of lymph nodes commonly found in the neck, above the collar bone, under the arms, or in the groin. The swelling in cancer does not usually subside within a few weeks and may be associated with other common infections, like cold or sore throat. However, the difference is that cold or infectious swelling of lymph nodes is painful to the touch and shrinks within a few weeks.

As a result, children may experience:

  • abdominal pain
  • Constipation
  • abdominal distention from an abdominal mass
  • Coughing
  • difficulty breathing or wheezing
  • bone pain

Apart from this, a child with NHL may also experience:

  • Persistent high fever that comes and goes
  • Fatigue
  • Sweating profusely at night and needing clothing or bedding change multiple times during the night
  • Lack of appetite
  • Itching
  • Pale skin

Stomach issues
Children may experience swollen tummy, inflammation in or near the stomach or intestines, constipation, pain, or diarrhea. Children may feel full even after eating small meals.

Chest issues
A child with lymphoma may get red in the face, swelling on the face or neck veins, and get easily out of breath as the cancer presses on the blood vessels in the chest.

Easy bruising and low blood count
A child with lymphoma may have abnormally low blood counts, as seen in blood tests. This can cause easy bruising or bleeding more often or getting infected easily and not recovering at a normal pace.

Brain and nerve issues
In some cases, children may experience difficulty talking, vision changes, facial numbness, dizziness, headache, or even seizures due to an affected brain or spinal cord.

Treatment options for lymphoma in children
Diagnostic tests, including a biopsy, are necessary to confirm the disease and diagnosis. The biopsy may be performed using tools according to the age and location of the affected lymph node. For example, if the lymph nodes are deep inside the body, a doctor may recommend imaging tests like X-rays or scans to locate the best site for biopsy.

Treatment options for lymphoma in children are usually successful, and the purpose is to limit its side effects mainly. Chemotherapy is a common treatment option ensuring active and multiplying cancer cells are thwarted in time. Radiotherapy is an X-ray treatment that kills the affected lymphoma cells. Targeted treatment and antibody treatment are both helpful in attacking problematic lymphoma cells.

Latest Articles

5 smart ways of using tablet computers
Tablets

5 smart ways of using tablet computers

You see tablet computers everywhere. More and more people are now moving toward tablets in offices, coffee shops, homes, and even schools. This is because they offer more power and uses than a smartphone and better portability than a desktop or even a laptop. Tablets have many more uses than simply checking your emails or browsing social media. Here are some interesting ways to find more uses for your tablet computer: Second screen Some people like to work on two screens at a time due to the demand of their work. This also enhances productivity and cuts down on time. It is easy to mirror your Android to another Android or even a computer. To use your tablet as an extended display, you need to install an application on your computer and connect the tablet to it using a USB cable or Wi-Fi. Some of the best app options to do this include Spacedesk, Google Remote Desktop, iDisplay, Duet Display, etc. As a remote to control electronics Tablet computers can be easily used to control your electronics. A tablet is larger than a remote and much easier to find and operate with better features. You can control your PC and television with it. It can also dim your home lights, open your garage door, and operate your smart fridge and washing machine. For instance, if you have a Sony Smart TV, you can use the TV Sideview application for your Apple and Android systems. E-Reader If you are an avid reader and have an old tablet, you don’t need to purchase a new e-reader. Your tablet can easily be used as an e-reader to browse your favorite books, magazines, comic strips, and even news applications. Since tablet screens have more glare, we suggest getting an anti-glare film on the screen.
Ignore these 8 foods when diagnosed with hyperkalemia
health

Ignore these 8 foods when diagnosed with hyperkalemia

Potassium is an essential nutrient that allows your body to function optimally. A meal plan rich in potassium allows proper nerve function and regulates your heartbeat. However, certain conditions such as kidney diseases and consuming food rich in potassium excessively may increase its levels in your bloodstream leading to a condition known as hyperkalemia . Let’s look at foods you should limit to keep your potassium within normal levels. Bananas The first food that comes to mind when people think of potassium sources is bananas. One medium-sized banana contains almost 422 mg of potassium. Though it would take a lot of bananas to cause an overdose of potassium, if you are also eating other foods rich in potassium, it will lead to excessive potassium levels in your blood, which in turn, will trigger hyperkalemia . Tomato Sauce and Paste Raw tomatoes contain a decent amount of potassium. One medium tomato has about 292 mg of potassium. Concentrated forms of tomatoes, such as sauces, salsa, paste, puree, etc., contain even higher amounts of potassium. For instance, a small cup of tomato sauce contains almost 728 mg potassium. So, it is advised to skip tomato sauce and opt for alternatives such as basil or roasted red peppers. Milk If you have been advised a low potassium meal plan, you must avoid milk or at least its consumption needs to be reduced. A cup of whole milk contains around 350 mg of potassium. The lower the amount of fat in milk, the higher the potassium content. While you may have a small serving of milk daily, it should not exceed 300 ml. It means avoiding milk and dairy products such as buttermilk, yogurt, milk-based sweets, ice creams, and other desserts. Oranges and Orange Juice Oranges have a very high potassium content and are best avoided if diagnosed with hyperkalemia .
7 mistakes to avoid when buying a new computer
Tech

7 mistakes to avoid when buying a new computer

With all the options of computer brands available in the market today, you might think it is effortless to pick up one. However, with so many choices, it can get tricky as buying a computer is a hefty, long-term investment. That’s why you should be aware of some common buying mistakes people would make while purchasing this device. And so, here are a few things to avoid before you invest in a computer : Buying without knowing your needs Never buy a computer just because everyone is buying it or there’s a lot of hype around it. While you may want to prioritize aesthetics and popularity, you need to identify your need for a computer and its software . Make a list of all the features that you would need and get the computer configured accordingly. Unfamiliar with different software programs Not knowing the right software may cost you heavily. Purchasing expensive software with a long list of features may not be the best thing to do if half of these features don’t even apply to your work. Next, know how to install and use the software. You also need to know if the software is protected against bugs with an antivirus program and consider the after-sale service of the software. Not considering different operating systems There are four primary operating systems you should know – Microsoft, Apple, Google, and Linux. While technology has made it easier to switch between these operating systems, you may often find one or more applications not working on alternative systems. So, if you have an expensive software installed, check with your developer if it will be compatible with the OS you plan to get. Not accounting for other computer costs A common mistake made by many while purchasing a computer is not accounting for other costs that are part of the bundle.