Non-Hodgkin lymphoma: Children

More children than ever are surviving childhood cancer. There are new and better drugs and treatments, and we can now also work to reduce the after-effects of having had cancer in the past.

It’s devastating to hear that your child has cancer. At times it can feel overwhelming and there are many healthcare professionals and support organisations to help you through this difficult time.

Understanding more about the cancer your child has and the treatments that may be used can often help parents to cope. Your child’s specialist will give you more detailed information. If you have any questions it’s important to ask the specialist doctor or nurse who knows your child’s individual situation.

The lymphatic system is part of the immune system, the body’s natural defence against infection and disease. This is a complex system made up of the bone marrow, thymus, spleen, and lymph nodes throughout the body. The lymph nodes are connected by a network of tiny lymphatic vessels.

Lymph nodes are also known as lymph glands, and the ones that you’re most likely to notice are those in the neck, armpit and groin.

The number of lymph nodes varies from one part of the body to another. In some parts there are very few, whereas under your arm there may be 20 to 50 nodes.

Cancers that start in the lymphatic system are called lymphomas. There are 2 main types of lymphoma:

Hodgkin lymphoma  non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)

Although they’re both types of lymphoma, there are differences between them, which means they need different treatment.

There are 2 main types of NHL. B-cell NHL usually involves the lymph nodes in the abdomen and intestines, but may involve nodes in the head and neck. T-cell NHL usually affects lymph nodes in the chest.

Occasionally, NHL can develop in unusual places outside the lymph nodes. This is called extranodal lymphoma.


It’s devastating to hear that your child has cancer. At times it can feel overwhelming and there are many healthcare professionals and support organisations to help you through this difficult time.

Understanding more about the cancer your child has and the treatments that may be used can often help parents to cope. Your child’s specialist will give you more detailed information. If you have any questions it’s important to ask the specialist doctor or nurse who knows your child’s individual situation.

The lymphatic system is part of the immune system, the body’s natural defence against infection and disease. This is a complex system made up of the bone marrow, thymus, spleen, and lymph nodes throughout the body. The lymph nodes are connected by a network of tiny lymphatic vessels.

Lymph nodes are also known as lymph glands, and the ones that you’re most likely to notice are those in the neck, armpit and groin.

The number of lymph nodes varies from one part of the body to another. In some parts there are very few, whereas under your arm there may be 20 to 50 nodes.

Cancers that start in the lymphatic system are called lymphomas. There are 2 main types of lymphoma:

Hodgkin lymphoma  non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)

Although they’re both types of lymphoma, there are differences between them, which means they need different treatment.

There are 2 main types of NHL. B-cell NHL usually involves the lymph nodes in the abdomen and intestines, but may involve nodes in the head and neck. T-cell NHL usually affects lymph nodes in the chest.

Occasionally, NHL can develop in unusual places outside the lymph nodes. This is called extranodal lymphoma.


Understanding more about the cancer your child has and the treatments that may be used can often help parents to cope. Your child’s specialist will give you more detailed information. If you have any questions it’s important to ask the specialist doctor or nurse who knows your child’s individual situation.

The lymphatic system is part of the immune system, the body’s natural defence against infection and disease. This is a complex system made up of the bone marrow, thymus, spleen, and lymph nodes throughout the body. The lymph nodes are connected by a network of tiny lymphatic vessels.

Lymph nodes are also known as lymph glands, and the ones that you’re most likely to notice are those in the neck, armpit and groin.

The number of lymph nodes varies from one part of the body to another. In some parts there are very few, whereas under your arm there may be 20 to 50 nodes.

Cancers that start in the lymphatic system are called lymphomas. There are 2 main types of lymphoma:

Hodgkin lymphoma  non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)

Although they’re both types of lymphoma, there are differences between them, which means they need different treatment.

There are 2 main types of NHL. B-cell NHL usually involves the lymph nodes in the abdomen and intestines, but may involve nodes in the head and neck. T-cell NHL usually affects lymph nodes in the chest.

Occasionally, NHL can develop in unusual places outside the lymph nodes. This is called extranodal lymphoma.

Symptoms

The first sign of NHL is usually a lump somewhere in the body, which is caused by swollen lymph nodes. This can cause different symptoms, depending on where the swollen lymph nodes are. If glands in the abdomen are affected, this may cause a feeling of being full after meals and some stomach pain. Other symptoms of NHL include a high temperature (fever), tiredness, weight loss, and loss of appetite. In a few children, lymphoma cells may be found in the bone marrow or in the fluid around the spinal cord (cerebrospinal fluid).