Lymphoma is the most common cancer in children. It is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. Lymphoma can occur in children of any age, although it is more common in older children and adolescents.
The average age for a child to be diagnosed with lymphoma is between 10 and 14 years old. However, there have been cases of children as young as three being diagnosed with this type of cancer. In general, boys are more likely to be diagnosed with lymphoma than girls.
The most common type of lymphoma in children is non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which is a cancer of the lymphocytes (white blood cells). Other types of lymphoma that can affect children include Hodgkin lymphoma, Burkitt lymphoma, and lymphoblastic lymphoma.
The symptoms of lymphoma in children vary, but can include swollen lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, fatigue, weight loss, and abdominal pain. If your child has any of these symptoms, it is important to have them evaluated by a doctor to determine the cause.
In order to diagnose lymphoma in children, doctors typically rely on blood tests, a physical exam, an ultrasound, and a biopsy. Treatment for lymphoma in children may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and/or stem cell transplants.
In general, the prognosis for children with lymphoma is good, with most children making a full recovery. However, it is important to talk to your child's doctor about the specific outlook for your child's condition.