Leukemia and Lymphoma - Pediatric Facts

What is pediatric leukemia?

Leukemia is a cancer of the blood and the most common cancer in children and teens, accounting for almost one out of three cancers.

Healthy cells form in the bone marrow and mature into red blood cells (to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the body’s tissues), white blood cells (to fight infections) and platelets (to stop bleeding).

In patients with leukemia, these cells do not mature as they should or they transform into irregular blood cells that do not function normally. 

What is pediatric lymphoma?

Lymphomas are cancers that develop in the body’s lymphatic system and are the third most common pediatric cancer, after leukemia and brain tumors.

What are the symptoms of pediatric leukemia?

Common symptoms of pediatric leukemia include:
  • Fatigue
  • Pale skin
  • Infections and fever
  • Easy bleeding or bruising
  • Extreme fatigue or weakness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Coughing

What are the symptoms of pediatric lymphoma?

Common symptoms of pediatric lymphoma include:

  • Enlarged lymph nodes
  • Swollen abdomen
  • Feeling full after only a small amount of food
  • Shortness of breath or cough
  • Fever
  • Weight loss
  • Night sweats
  • Fatigue