Pediatric Lymphoma: Clinical Presentation and Symptoms

Pediatric lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system in children. It primarily includes Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve prognosis.

Types of Pediatric Lymphoma

• Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL): Characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells and commonly presents with painless lymphadenopathy.
• Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL): Includes various subtypes such as Burkitt lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and lymphoblastic lymphoma.

Clinical Presentation

Symptoms vary based on the type and progression of the lymphoma:

• Painless swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or groin
• Persistent fever without obvious infection
• Unexplained weight loss exceeding 10% of body weight
• Night sweats occurring frequently
• Fatigue and weakness
• Abdominal pain or swelling due to lymph node involvement

Diagnosis and Evaluation

Early recognition is crucial for effective management. Diagnosis typically involves:

1. Physical examination and medical history assessment
2. Imaging studies such as CT and MRI scans
3. Biopsy of affected lymph nodes
4. Blood tests for tumor markers and general health assessment

Treatment Approaches

Treatment varies based on lymphoma type and stage:

• Chemotherapy: First-line treatment for many pediatric lymphomas
• Radiation therapy: Often used for localized disease
• Immunotherapy and targeted therapy: Emerging approaches
• Stem cell transplant: Used in relapsed or refractory cases

Prognosis and Outlook

Advancements in treatment have led to improved survival rates. Early-stage lymphoma has an excellent prognosis with appropriate treatment.