Lymphoma in the Pediatric Population
- Kisha Patel
- May 23, 2023
- 3 min read
Lymphocytes are a specific type of cells within the immune system known as white blood cells. They work to keep us healthy by fighting off different types of infectious disease. However, like all cancers, lymphocytes have the possibility to become uncontrollable. Lymphoma is a type of cancer that develops when lymphocytes proliferate, and then possibly spread, excessively. Most commonly, lymphoma is found in adults, however it is still one the most prevalent types of cancers in the pediatric and adolescent population.
“In the United States, about 2,200 people under age 20 are diagnosed with lymphoma each year” (Memorial Sloan Kettering Center, 2021)
Showing the prevalence of lymphoma in this vulnerable population, lymphoma is also said to be only the third most common type of cancer in this specific age group. Third to only brain tumors and leukemia, this disease can change the life of a child forever.
When a child is diagnosed with lymphoma, it is important to know there are many types. The two most common types include Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and for each category, there are several types of lymphoma that fall within it.
Hodgkin Lymphoma
Children which are aged 15 and up are the most typically affected with Hodgkin lymphoma (usually between 15 and 19). In childhood Hodgkin lymphoma, malignant cells form within the lymphatic system of a child. Reed-Sternberg cells become aberrant cells in the malignant lymph node as a result of this type of cancer.
While doctors still don’t know the reason for the cause of this type of lymphoma, they do see some correlation between the EBV (Epstein-Barr Virus) and childhood Hodgkin Lymphoma.
“Epstein-Barr virus infection a...can increase the risk of childhood Hodgkin lymphoma” (National Cancer Institute, 2021).
However, this is not the only risk factor. Other common risk factors include: a family history of Hodgkin lymphoma, having pre-existing conditions relating to the immonus system, having HIV, having a weakened system and/or a history of mononucleosis.
Classic and nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma are the two major forms of pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma. The most prevalent type of Hodgkin lymphoma is classic Hodgkin lymphoma. Adolescents are the most affected. Based on how the cancer cells appear under a microscope, classic Hodgkin lymphoma is classified into four subtypes: nodular-sclerosing Hodgkin lymphoma, mixed cellularity Hodgkin lymphoma, lymphocyte-rich classical Hodgkin lymphoma and lyphmocycle-depleted Hodgkin lymphoma. Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma is less frequent than the type mentioned above. It most commonly affects adolescents under the age of ten. Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, or groin are common symptoms of nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma. At the time of diagnosis, the majority of people have no further indications or symptoms of cancer.
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Children's non-Hodgkin lymphoma acts differently from adult non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It's very aggressive, grows rapidly, and it needs a lot of treatment. There are 3 main types of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: lymphoblastic lymphoma, burkitt lymphoma, and large cell lymphoma.
LBL cancer cells are lymphoblasts, which are extremely young lymphocytes. The most common kind of LBL is precursor T-lymphoblastic lymphoma, which develops from T cells. These lymphomas usually begin in the thymus and develop into a tumor behind the breastbone and in front of the trachea, leading to possible respiratory issues.
Burkitt lymphoma is also called small non-cleaved cell lymphoma. Burkitt lymphomas usually begin in the abdomen. Typically, a child's belly develops a big tumor that can occasionally block the bowels (intestines). This may result in stomach discomfort, nausea, and/or vomiting.
Large cell lymphomas begin as mature T or B cells and can spread to nearly any part of the body. They are less likely than other pediatric lymphomas to move to bone marrow or brain, and they do not develop as fast. These lymphomas are more common in older children and teenagers.
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