Childhood Lymphoma

What is childhood lymphoma?

Lymphomas are cancers of the lymphatic system and it has two main types under the name of Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.

In Hodgkin's lymphoma, the disease is defined by the presence of Reed Sternberg cells, which are large cells that can have more than one nucleus. These cells grow and divide more quickly and live longer than normal cells.

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), or simply lymphoma, does not have Reed Sternberg cells.

What are the symptoms of  lymphoma?

Signs and symptoms of childhood Lymphoma may include:

• Painless swelling or enlargement of lymph nodes, especially in the neck, armpits and groin
• Excessive night sweats
• Unexplained fever
• Undetermined weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Itchy skin

Additionally, signs and symptoms of non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma may include:

• Swollen abdomen
• Feeling full after a small meal
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing due to the disease developing in the chest

How is childhood lymphoma diagnosed?

Childhood lymphomas can be difficult to characterize, several tests may have to be done.

General tests that can be used to determine the type and stage of childhood lymphoma are:

• Lymph node biopsy
• CT scans
• PET scans
• Blood chemistry studies

What are the treatment options for childhood lymphoma?

For each child a personalized lymphoma treatment strategy should be determined based on information including:

• Age of the child
• Initial symptoms
• Subtype and stage of disease
• Whether the disease is bulky and extensive
• Whether the disease has spread outside the lymph nodes or not
• How quickly the disease disappears after the start of therapy

The common treatments used for lymphoma may include:

• Bone Marrow Transplantation
• Radiotherapy
• Chemotherapy

Why choose Turkey for childhood lymphoma treatment?

Turkish hospitals have remarkable experience and skill in treating childhood lymphoma. A team of specially trained physicians, supported by nurses and therapists, follow the patient throughout childhood lymphoma treatment.

Moreover, successful bone marrow transplantations are continuously being carried out in Turkey. Adult and pediatric bone marrow transplant centers that work with international standards, are integrated to the international bone marrow banks.