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I D Cancer Center
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  • Chilhood Lymphoma

Childhood Lymphoma Treatment | I D Cancer Center Lucknow

Expert Diagnosis & Comprehensive Pediatric Oncology Care at I D Cancer Center, Lucknow

Childhood Lymphoma is one of the most common cancers in children and adolescents. It begins in the lymphatic system — a crucial part of the immune system. While lymphoma can be frightening for families, it is also one of the most treatable childhood cancers, with excellent outcomes when diagnosed early and managed appropriately.


What Is Childhood Lymphoma?

Lymphoma develops when lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) grow uncontrollably. There are two main categories:

1. Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL)

  • Seen in older children & teens

  • Characterised by Reed–Sternberg cells

  • Highly curable with modern treatment

2. Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL)

  • More common in younger children

  • Types include:

    • Burkitt lymphoma

    • Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)

    • Lymphoblastic lymphoma

    • Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL)

  • Often involves lymph nodes, abdomen, mediastinum, or bone marrow

Common Symptoms of Childhood Lymphoma

Symptoms may vary depending on the type and location:

  • Painless swelling of lymph nodes (neck, armpit, groin)

  • Persistent fever

  • Weight loss

  • Night sweats

  • Fatigue

  • Persistent cough or breathing difficulty

  • Abdominal pain or swelling

  • Loss of appetite

  • Itchy skin or rashes

Any persistent lymph node swelling or combination of these symptoms should be evaluated promptly.

Risk Factors

While the exact cause is not always known, risk factors may include:

  • Weakened immune system

  • Viral infections (EBV, HIV)

  • Genetic predisposition

  • Autoimmune diseases

  • Prior chemotherapy or radiation
    Most children, however, develop lymphoma without any known risk factor.

How Childhood Lymphoma Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis at I D Cancer Center follows a comprehensive, child-friendly protocol:

1. Physical Examination

Assessment of lymph node enlargement and systemic symptoms.

2. Blood Tests

  • CBC

  • LDH levels

  • Liver & kidney function

  • Viral markers (EBV, HIV)

3. Imaging

  • Ultrasound of lymph nodes

  • Chest X-ray

  • CT scan

  • MRI (selected cases)

  • PET-CT for staging and treatment response

4. Lymph Node Biopsy

Essential for definitive diagnosis:

  • Excisional biopsy preferred

  • Helps differentiate between HL and NHL

5. Bone Marrow Aspiration

To check for bone marrow involvement.

6. Genetics & Immunophenotyping

Flow cytometry & molecular tests help classify lymphoma type accurately.

Treatment Options at I D Cancer Center

Treatment depends on lymphoma type, stage, and child’s overall health.

1. Chemotherapy

Mainstay treatment for most lymphomas.
Modern, evidence-based pediatric protocols ensure safe and effective outcomes.

2. Immunotherapy & Targeted Therapy

Used especially in:

  • Hodgkin lymphoma

  • ALCL

  • Relapsed/refractory cases
    Examples include:

  • Anti-CD30 targeted therapy

  • Monoclonal antibodies

  • CAR-T therapy (specialised centers)

3. Radiation Therapy

Used selectively in:

  • Hodgkin lymphoma (residual disease)

  • Mediastinal masses

  • Localized tumor sites

Advanced radiotherapy technologies at I D Cancer Center:

  • IMRT / VMAT

  • IGRT for daily precision

  • Proton-like conformal planning

  • Involved-site radiation therapy (ISRT) for pediatric HL

4. Surgery

Rarely required except for diagnostic biopsy.

5. Supportive Care

  • Infection control

  • Pain & symptom management

  • Nutrition support

  • Psychological counselling for child & family

  • Long-term follow-up for growth, fertility & heart health

Prognosis

Childhood lymphoma generally has an excellent prognosis, especially when diagnosed early.
Outcomes depend on:

  • Lymphoma type (HL has very high cure rates)

  • Stage at diagnosis

  • Response to initial therapy

  • Presence of risk factors

Many children go on to live fully healthy, active lives after treatment.