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Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Childhood |
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Childhood Hodgkin's lymphoma is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the lymph system. Childhood Hodgkin's lymphoma is a type of cancer that develops in the lymph system, part of the body's immune system. The lymph system is made up of the following: Lymph: Colorless, watery fluid that travels through the lymph system and carries white blood cells called lymphocytes. Lymphocytes protect the body against infections and the growth of tumors. Lymph vessels: A network of thin tubes that collect lymph from different parts of the body and return it to the bloodstream. Lymph nodes: Small, bean-shaped structures that filter substances in lymph and help fight infection and disease. Lymph nodes are located along the network of lymph vessels found throughout the body. Clusters of lymph nodes are found in the underarm, pelvis, neck, abdomen, and groin. Spleen: An organ that produces lymphocytes, filters the blood, stores blood cells, and destroys old blood cells. It is located on the left side of the abdomen near the stomach. Thymus: An organ in which lymphocytes grow and multiply. The thymus is in the chest behind the breastbone. Tonsils: Two small masses of lymph tissue at the back of the throat. The tonsils produce lymphocytes. Bone marrow: The soft, spongy tissue in the center of large bones. Bone marrow produces white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Because lymph tissue is found throughout the body, Hodgkin's lymphoma can start in almost any part of the body and spread to almost any tissue or organ in the body. Lymphomas are divided into two general types: Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Hodgkin's lymphoma can occur in both children and adults; however, treatment for children may be different than treatment for adults. There are two types of childhood Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The two types of childhood Hodgkin’s lymphoma are: Classical Hodgkin's lymphoma. Nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin's lymphoma. Classical Hodgkin's lymphoma is divided into four subtypes, based on how the cancer cells look under a microscope: Lymphocyte-rich classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Nodular sclerosis Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Mixed cellularity Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Lymphocyte-depleted Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Age, gender, and Epstein-Barr virus infection can affect the risk of developing childhood Hodgkin's lymphoma. |
