It’s one of the most common types of cancer in children. What is lymphoma? What are the symptoms? Watch out for weight loss and night sweats!
Lenfoma ranks third in the world after leukemia and brain tumor. It is most commonly seen between the ages of 5 and 10. This is due to the rapid proliferation of lymphocytes in children of this age group and the fact that a disorder during this proliferation can cause lymphoma.
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that can be successfully treated today.
Early diagnosis plays a key role in the success of the treatment. However, the symptoms of cancer can also be seen in many ordinary children’s diseases.
For example, glands or fever in the neck can be neglected as they usually also occur in upper respiratory infection. This can prevent the disease from being diagnosed in the early stages.
For this reason, scientists note that it is vital for parents to immediately contact a physician when even one of the problems such as lymph node growth, loss of appetite, night sweats, fever and weakness occurs, which are early signs of lymphoma.
What are the symptoms?
Lymphoma a type of cancer that occurs in lymphocyte cells that work for the immune system of the human body and protect us against infections.
Cancer occurs either when normal cells multiply rapidly or live longer than normal lymphocytes. These cells are found in the lymph nodes, splendors, bone marrow and other organs of the body in our body.
Lymphoma; It is divided into 2 groups, non-Hodgkin and Hodgkin. These two diseases originate from different cell types.
Experts point out that Hodgkin’s lymphoma is more common in the 5-10 and 15 age group;
“The formation of the disease includes immunodeficient diseases, autoimmune diseases and the virus (EBV) that causes kiss disease. 80 percent of children have lymph node growth in the neck,” they said.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which occurs at all ages, peaks in children between the ages of 5 and 7. This type of lymphoma can be caused by the virus EBV, some hereditary diseases and immunodeficiency. Depending on the subtypes, the places and symptoms where the tumor originates in the body may vary.
These factors are not negligent!
Experts note that the symptoms of lymphoma in the child vary according to the type, prevalence and region of the disease.
Lymph nodes growth is the most typical symptom of lymphoma cancer. However, the disease can sometimes develop without lymph nodes growth.
Non-Hodgkin lymphomas, for example, occur with much less lymph node growth than Hodgkin’s. Therefore, it is vital to contact a physician immediately if there is even one of the following symptoms.
Lymph nodes or glands that come into the hand:
Lymph nodes, which can form at any point in the body but often develop in the armpit, neck circumference and groin area, are typical symptoms of lymphoma. If the lymph node does not return to its normal size with treatment within 1-2 weeks or grows larger, it can be a precursor to lymphoma.
Night sweats:
If night sweats are in such a way that the child needs to change his/her pajamas or even his/her bed linen, this table can indicate lymphoma.
Fever with no cause:
If the fever lasts longer than 7 days, accompanied by severe weakness and night sweats, hodgkin lymphoma should be ruled out by investigating the underlying cause.
Weight loss:
Loss of more than 10 percent of body weight in the last 6 months without lack of appetite and nutritional restrictions can also be a symptom of lymphoma.
lassitude:
Fatigue that does not pass is also among the symptoms of lymphoma.
Stomach and bowel problems:
If non-Hodgkin lymphoma develops in the abdomen, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, tension in the abdomen, mass and constipation problems may develop.
Cough and chest pain:
If lymphoma occurs in the chest cavity, it can cause coughing, chest pain and respiratory distress.
Bone pain:
If there’s bone marrow involvement, bone pain can develop.
Masses formed in the body:
If the disease has developed in the head and neck area, it can make mass in the jaw area or eye.
In lymphoma cancer, which is one of the treatable diseases today, it is possible for children to live a completely healthy life under certain controls.
Experts state that the success of treatment varies according to the type, stage and prevalence of lymphoma and provide the following information:
“Hodgkin lymphoma is treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In resistant cases, high doses of chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation are also performed. Non-Hodgkin lymphomas are used for combined systemic chemotherapy. Resistant or recurrence cases benefit from stem cell transplantation.”