Lymphoma in Children

What is lymphoma?

Lymphoma is a cancer that develops in the lymphatic system. Part of immune function, the lymphatic system plays an important role in your body's response to infection and disease.

The lymphatic system consists of:

• Lymph vessels. These thin tubes branch like blood vessels into all parts of the body.
• Lymph. This colorless fluid flows through the lymph vessels, carrying a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes.
• Lymph nodes. Along the network of lymph vessels are lymph nodes, small bean-shaped organs that make and store infection-fighting cells. Clusters of lymph nodes are found in the underarm, groin, neck and abdomen.
• Spleen. This organ plays several roles, including making and storing lymphocytes and destroying old blood cells.
• Thymus. Located behind the breastbone, this gland produces lymphocytes.
• Tonsils. These are two small masses of lymphatic tissue located at the back of the throat.
• Bone marrow. This spongy tissue, found in the center of most bones, makes various types of blood cells.

Because the lymphatic system is extensive, lymphoma can start in a variety of locations and spread to almost any organ or tissue.

Types of lymphoma

There are two main types of lymphoma: Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The difference can be seen by looking at the cancer cells under a microscope. Hodgkin's lymphoma is characterized by a specific type of cell called a Reed-Sternberg cell. In non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Reed-Sternberg cells aren't present.

Identifying the type helps us determine which treatment options may work best. Lymphoma treatments include radiation therapy, chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant.