Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in children

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in Children

Around 95 children (aged 0 to 14 years) are diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in the UK every year.

Lymphoma means cancer of the lymphatic system. The lymph system is an important part of our immune system. It plays a role in fighting bacteria and other infections and destroying old or abnormal cells, such as cancer cells.

NHL is more common in boys than in girls, the reasons for this are unclear.

Most Common Symptoms

The most common symptoms of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma are one or more, swellings of the groin, neck, throat and armpit, which is normally painless. The swelling of these areas are enlarged lymph nodes.

Burkitts Lymphoma

In some children with a type of NHL called Burkitt’s Lymphoma, enlarged lymph nodes cause one part of the gut to slide forward and become stuck in the next part of the gut.

This causes swelling and maybe a blockage. It can cause symptoms such as:

• blood in the poo
• high temperature
• severe pain in the tummy area (abdomen)

For further guidance about Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, speak to your General Practitioner.