Childhood Leukemia and Lymphoma Symptoms

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

Symptoms of both childhood leukemia and childhood lymphoma may be difficult to identify at first because they may resemble other more common conditions, such as the flu or other childhood illnesses.

Parents and guardians should let a doctor know if their child develops unusual or even common symptoms that aren’t going away as they normally would, so they may begin the childhood leukemia or lymphoma diagnosis process.

In early stages, childhood leukemia and lymphoma may not cause noticeable symptoms. Sometimes, leukemias and lymphomas are detected during a child’s annual wellness exam, making regular medical checkups a valuable tool in detecting problems early and keeping children healthy.

Symptoms may also vary depending on whether the child has leukemia or lymphoma, and which subtype is developing.

Symptoms of Childhood Leukemia

There are multiple types of leukemia, all of which may lead to different symptoms. It is also possible that signs and symptoms of leukemia may be detected from a child’s wellness exam, before noticeable symptoms appear. Abnormal blood test results along with persistent symptoms may lead to follow-up leukemia testing.

In general, leukemia symptoms in a child may include:

• Weakness and fatigue
• Fever or night sweats
• Frequent infections
• Paler skin than is typical for the child
• Coughing or trouble breathing
• Frequent or heavy nosebleeds
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• Bruising or bleeding easily
• Bone or joint pain
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Petechiae, which are tiny red dots under the skin caused by bleeding
• Abdominal swelling
• Swollen lymph nodes (painless bumps) typically found in the neck, underarms, collarbone or groin

Childhood Lymphoma Signs and Symptoms

Lymphoma may start anywhere in the body where lymph tissue is found, such as the lymph nodes, spleen, tonsils, bone marrow and other immune system organs. The collection of lymphoma cells in one of these lymph areas may trigger swelling, pain or other symptoms, which should prompt a visit to a health care provider. Signs may also be discovered during a routine physical examination.

A child’s symptoms may depend on the type of lymphoma, mainly Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin, its subtype, where it starts in the body and how quickly it has grown. Symptoms may also vary from child to child.

Symptoms of childhood lymphoma may include:

• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, chest, abdomen, underarm or groin
• Fever without a known reason
• Night sweats
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Swelling or a lump in the testicle
• Trouble swallowing
• Trouble breathing, wheezing or constant cough
• Abdominal pain or swelling
• Skin rash
• Neurological symptoms, such as severe back pain, numbness or weakness
• Swelling of the head, neck, arms or upper body, which is a medical emergency called superior vena cava syndrome