Lymphoma is the third most common type of childhood cancer.

It accounts for around 10% of cases (160 children a year in the UK) and occurs in two main types: Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

 

Hodgkin lymphoma

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Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is distinguished from other types of lymphoma by the type of cancer cell formed – the Reed-Sternberg cell.

The exact cause is unknown. However, there is increasing evidence that infections such infectious mononucleosis may play a part, especially when it occurs in children. 

 

• HL accounts for 41% of all childhood lymphoma diagnoses

• It affects predominantly older children

• With a male to female preponderance of 2:1

• Five year survival rates are very good at 96%.

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The mainstay of treatment is chemotherapy. A half of cases also require radiotherapy dependent on stage and histology.

 

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Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

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Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) has 2 forms: B cell NHL (usually in the abdomen, neck or head) and T cell NHL (usually in the chest).

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• NHL accounts for about 60% of lymphoma in childre

• Around 85 children affected each year in the UK 

• NHL is rare in infants and has a male: female preponderance of 2:1.

• Long-term immunosuppression is thought to be a risk factor for children to develop NHL.

• 5 year survival is still relatively good compared to other childhood cancer types at 88% 5 year survival

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Treatment depends on stage and histology.

B-cell NHL usually requires 4 – 8 courses of intensive chemotherapy, whereas treatment for T-cell NHL can take 2 years.

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