n WHAT ARE SOME SYMPTOMS OF NON-HODGKIN LYMPHOMA?
Symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma depend on its location in the body. For example, if the main tumor is located in the chest, the child may have a cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or chest pain. If there is a tumor in the belly, the child may have pain, bloating, nausea, vomit- ing, constipation, or diarrhea. Some children may have swollen necks or bumps around the collarbones.
n WHAT CAUSES NON-HODGKIN LYMPHOMA? We do not know what causes non-Hodgkin lymphoma. There is some association between the Epstein- Barr virus (EBV) and the African type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma; however, this association does not typically occur in the United States. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is not contagious.
n WHO GETS NON-HODGKIN LYMPHOMA? Non-Hodgkin lymphoma accounts for approximately 4%–5% of cancer occurring in children with about 800 cases diagnosed each year in the United States. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is rare in children younger than 2 years of age. Burkitt’s lymphoma occurs more in children 5–14 years old, while large cell lymphoma occurs more in teenagers 15–19 years old. Lymphoblastic lymphoma occurs at a similar rate for children and teenagers. There is an increased incidence in boys compared to girls in all the types (3:1). Non-Hodg- kin lymphoma is more often diagnosed in White children compared to other racial groups. Also, children who have weakened immune systems or diseases that affect the immune system, or those who have had an organ transplant are at higher risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
n IS NON-HODGKIN LYMPHOMA INHERITED? Non-Hodgkin lymphoma does not appear to be inherited. However, children who already have an inher- ited medical condition may have an increased chance of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
n WHAT IS METASTASIS? Metastasis refers to tumor cells that have spread from the original tumor location (primary site) to other parts of the body. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma cells can spread to the lungs, other lymph nodes, the bones and the bone marrow (area inside the bones where blood cells are made), and the spinal fluid. It is important to evalu- ate if any metastases are present to help determine the type of treatment your child will receive.
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