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Pediatric lymphomas are typically categorized as Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. In both types, lymphatic cells abnormally reproduce, eventually preventing the body from fighting infection and causing swelling in the lymph nodes. These cancerous cells may also spread to other organs and tissues.
Since lymph nodes are located throughout the body, the site of cancer involvement is broad. However, Hodgkin's disease often originates in nodes of the head, neck and upper chest area.
Hodgkin's lymphoma accounts for about 5 percent of all childhood cancers, and it occurs most often in people between the ages of 15 and 34, and in people over age 55. Over the past several decades, increased understanding of Hodgkin's lymphoma and advanced treatment options have led to more than 80 percent of children being successfully treated for childhood Hodgkin's lymphoma.
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