Large cell lymphoma

Large cell lymphoma is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It’s a cancer in the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system, which works to fight disease and infections. Large cell lymphoma may develop in the lymph system tissue in the neck, chest, throat or abdomen.

• It can spread to the skin or tissues under the skin. It may also spread to bone marrow and the brain.
• It’s thought to be caused by genetics and/or exposure to viral infections, radiation or chemotherapy.
• It accounts for about 30 percent of non-Hodgkin lymphomas in children.
• It’s more common in Caucasian boys.
• Treatments may involve a combination of therapies including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and/or stem-cell transplants.

How Dana-Farber/Children’s Hospital Cancer Center approaches large cell lymphoma

We treat children with all forms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and related disorders. Specialists from Boston Children’s Hospital work very closely with the experts at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to ensure that every aspect of your child’s health is overseen before, during and after his treatment period.

Our Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Program is a special service within our pediatric oncology program. Every member of our team—specialists in oncology, radiation oncology, surgery, interventional and diagnostic radiology and hematopathology—has expertise in pediatric lymphomas.