Teen Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a cancer in teens that attacks the lymphatic system including the lymph nodes, thymus, spleen, adenoids and bone marrow. The lymph system helps the body fight infection by channeling cells and fluids around the body. Most teens with lymphoma have either Hodgkin’s disease (cancer of the lymph tissue) or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (cancer of the cells of the immune system).

Hodgkin’s disease usually occurs in teenagers and young adults. Hodgkin’s disease can show up in lymph nodes within the neck, chest and armpits. Hodgkin’s disease is identified by large, unusual cells called Reed-Sternberg cells. Chemotherapy and often radiation therapy are used to treat Hodgkin’s disease.

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is similar to leukemia and can be treated with chemotherapy.

Most teens with Hodgkin’s disease or Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma who have completed their treatment achieve a complete remission with no signs of the disease.