Lymphoma in children

At Advocate Children’s Hospital, we have the specialized pediatric experience needed to treat childhood lymphoma. Most children receive a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy as we work to provide a cure.

Lymphoma therapies, while effective, can have side effects. Our care team closely monitors your child, easing both the short- and long-term effects of lymphoma and its treatment. We provide comprehensive support, including our unique P.O.S.T. survivorship program.

Advocate Children’s approach to childhood cancer care

Our expert cancer care team works with you and your child to find the best treatment and greatest chance for a cure. We get to know your whole family, with each appointment taking place in a comforting environment.

We have cancer centers in Park Ridge and Oak Lawn, letting your family avoid long, tiring drives into the city. Our social workers carefully organize appointments, bringing together the team you require and not keeping you longer than needed. On-call nurses are available 24/7 for questions and concerns.

About childhood lymphomas

Lymphomas develop in the lymph system, part of the immune system that helps fight viruses and bacteria. It’s made up of lymph nodes located in the neck, armpit and groin. It also involves tubes that carry a fluid called lymph to the spleen, thymus, tonsils, stomach and small intestine. Because of these connections, cancerous cells can easily spread throughout the body.

You or your child might notice swelling in their lymph nodes, though this usually doesn’t cause pain. Your child might also have a fever and fatigue that don’t go away. There are two main types of lymphoma, Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s.

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL)

Non-Hodgkin’s is the most common type of lymphoma in children and usually happens between ages 10 and 20. It generally has a high cure rate, though there are a few different subtypes. Our doctors help you understand the type of lymphoma your child has.

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma stages and grades

Most cancers have a set process to decide their stage and grade, determinations that can change with time and treatment. Our pediatric oncologists explain the stages and grades your child faces, how those stages and grades might change and what they mean for treatment.

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma treatment

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is usually treated with chemotherapy. Doctors put anticancer drugs into a vein, a muscle, or the fluid around the brain and spinal cord. Sometimes chemotherapy drugs are also swallowed. Your child may receive several types of chemotherapy, or doctors might combine it with radiation therapy.

Sometimes doctors need to use higher doses of chemotherapy. When they do, they sometimes do a stem cell (or bone marrow) transplant to help your child’s body cope with the chemotherapy drugs.

Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Hodgkin’s lymphoma happens most frequently in teenagers, starting at 15. Younger children are affected at much lower rates. Hodgkin’s lymphoma has a high cure rate, above 90%. Our doctors do a full exam and discuss your child’s prognosis with you.

Hodgkin’s lymphoma stages and grades

Hodgkin's stages and grades are complex and can change with time and treatment. However, for treatment purposes, doctors assign children to low-, intermediate- and high-risk groups.

Hodgkin’s lymphoma treatment

Hodgkin’s lymphoma treatments are determined by your child’s assigned risk group. The cancer usually responds well to chemotherapy and radiation therapy, with the treatments sometimes combined. A newer option, an approved immunotherapy, helps the immune system fight some forms of the disease.

Your doctor may also recommend apheresis therapy, which removes excess white blood cells that are caused by lymphoma and make children uncomfortable.

What to expect during treatment for childhood lymphoma

Chemotherapy and radiation treatments may occur in stages, with time in between for your child to recover. Treatments often cause short-term side effects such as nausea, vomiting and weight loss.

Our doctors work closely with your family to explain what is happening and how they can respond. Together, you can decide on medications and other treatments to ease side effects.

Support for your child and family

Childhood cancer impacts everyone in the family. We aim to help you through the challenges. Our child life specialists are there to help throughout your child’s treatment. Read more about our support for your child and family, including:

• On-call nurses who can answer questions 24/7
• School assistance during and after treatment
• Free events and activities for your family

Childhood lymphoma survivorship and transition to adulthood

Children now survive lymphomas at a high rate. As they mature into adults, they need help watching for long-term treatment effects, including problems with their growth, heart and lungs.

Our Pediatric Oncology Survivors in Transition (P.O.S.T.) program helps your child and family move from cancer to survivorship. We meet regularly and support your child and family by:

• Celebrating survivorship
• Keeping track of follow-up exams and testing
• Watching for long-term or late effects of cancer, chemotherapy and radiation therapy
• Coordinating with our Adolescent Center and adult doctors during your child’s teen years