Childhood Leukemia and Lymphoma
April 26, 2024
This page was reviewed under our medical and editorial policy by Lindsey Murphy, M.D., Pediatric Hematologist-Oncologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, City of Hope Duarte
Childhood leukemia and lymphoma, cancers that begin in blood-forming cells and the lymphatic system — part of the immune system, including the lymph nodes — are two of the most common childhood cancers. They are both considered blood cancers, but they differ in the type of cells that begin to grow out of control and their causes and symptoms.
Leukemia is the most common cancer found in children and teens. Leukemias occur most often in younger children between the ages of 1 and 4, and they are classified into two broad categories: acute or chronic. Lymphomas are more often seen in 15- to 19-year-olds than other age groups. They are classified into two main types: Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Childhood leukemia is a cancer that most often begins in immature white blood cells in the bone marrow and sometimes in other cells that would otherwise develop into red blood cells or platelets.
Childhood lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in the lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell in the lymph tissue that is part of the body’s immune system and helps fight infection.
Among young people 20 or younger in the United States, there are 49.2 cases of leukemia and 30.5 cases of lymphoma per million, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Symptoms of leukemia may include persistent fatigue and weakness, chills and fever, shortness of breath and pale skin. Repeat infections, bone or joint pain, abdominal swelling, loss of appetite, weight loss and swollen lymph nodes may also develop.
Symptoms of lymphoma may include weight loss, abdominal swelling or pain, fever, night sweats, feeling full without eating much, enlarged lymph nodes, shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing and fatigue.
To diagnose leukemia and lymphoma, the care team begins by asking about a child’s symptoms and possible risk factors. The team will take a complete medical history and conduct a thorough physical examination. Tests of the blood, bone marrow biopsy samples and chromosomes may follow.
If cancer is present, the care team will next determine its stage. Imaging tests and additional tests of the cells may be performed to help define the stage more clearly. The results are combined to develop a tailored treatment plan.
Treatments target cancer cells and aim to stop them from growing. For leukemia, the main treatment is chemotherapy, and sometimes radiation therapy, targeted drugs, immunotherapy and stem cell transplants are employed. Treatment options for lymphoma are similar and may, rarely, include surgery. Treatments are always tailored to the type and subtype of each disease.
Survival rates have improved significantly over the past decades as newer and better treatments have become available.
National Cancer Institute (2023, September 27). Child and Adolescent Cancers Fact Sheet.
https://www.cancer.gov/types/childhood-cancers/child-adolescent-cancers-fact-sheetNational Cancer Institute. 5-Year Age-Adjusted Incidence Rates, 2016-2020/By Cancer Site, Both Sexes, All Races, Ages <20.
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https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/leukemia-in-children/about/what-is-childhood-leukemia.htmlAmerican Cancer Society (2021, August 10). What Is Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in Children?
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/childhood-non-hodgkin-lymphoma/about/non-hodgkin-lymphomain-children.htmlAmerican Cancer Society (2021, August 10). Signs and Symptoms of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in Children.
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/childhood-non-hodgkin-lymphoma/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-symptoms.htmlAmerican Cancer Society (2024, February 27). Signs and Symptoms of Childhood Leukemia.
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https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/childhood-non-hodgkin-lymphoma/detection-diagnosis-staging/how-diagnosed.htmlAmerican Cancer Society (2021, August 10). Treating Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in Children.
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/childhood-non-hodgkin-lymphoma/treating.htmlAmerican Cancer Society (2023, September 28). Treating Childhood Leukemia.
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/leukemia-in-children/treating.htmlU.S. National Library of Medicine MedlinePlus (2023, November 28). Childhood leukemia.
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https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007685.htm
Childhood Leukemia and Lymphoma Patient Stories
City of Hope® provides every childhood leukemia and lymphoma patient with access to a strong network of patient and family support services to help before, during and after treatment.
City of Hope’s Childhood, Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivorship Program offers specialized care to patients who have experienced childhood cancer, helping them stay healthy and adjust to life after treatment.
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