Learning your child may have leukemia or lymphoma can feel overwhelming. At Connecticut Children's, you don't have to face it alone.
Our pediatric cancer specialists care for children with all types of leukemia and lymphoma, creating a personalized treatment plan based on your child's diagnosis and needs. From the first appointment through treatment and recovery, we're here for you.
Leukemias and lymphomas are both forms of blood cancer, but they affect the body differently.
What is leukemia?
Leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. It begins when abnormal white blood cells grow out of control, leaving less room for healthy blood cells.
Because healthy blood cells help fight infection, carry oxygen and stop bleeding, children with leukemia may become sick more easily or feel unusually tired.
Leukemia is the most common type of cancer in children. But most kids and teens treated for leukemia are cured of the disease.
What is lymphoma?
Lymphoma starts in lymphocytes, the types of white blood cells that are created in the bone marrow and move around the blood until they become part of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is the part of the body that fights germs and includes lymph nodes, the spleen, the thymus gland and bone marrow.
When a child has lymphoma, their white blood cells turn cancerous and grow out of control, and don’t work properly with the lymphatic system.
There are several different types of lymphomas. Some involve lymphoid cells and are grouped under the heading of Hodgkins lymphoma. All other forms of lymphoma fall into the non-Hodgkins lymphoma grouping.
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What are the signs and symptoms of leukemias and lymphomas?
Symptoms of leukemias
Children with leukemia tend to get more viral or bacterial infections than other children. This is because the white blood cells can’t fight off infections. They may also get anemia, which means a low number of red blood cells. Some symptoms of anemia include feeling weak or tired, paleness, easily bruising, excessive nose bleeds and bleeding more than normal after a minor cut.
Other symptoms of leukemia can include:
- Pain in the bones or joints, sometimes causing a limp
- Swollen glands (lymph nodes) in the neck, groin, or elsewhere
- Poor appetite and weight loss
- Fevers with no other symptoms
- Belly pain
Symptoms of lymphomas
Some symptoms of lymphomas may include:
- Swollen glands in neck, armpits or groin
- Feeling very tired
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Shortness of breath
- Unexplained weight loss
- Itchy skin
What causes leukemias and lymphomas?
Doctors don’t know exactly what causes leukemia and lymphomas. Most cases happen when there is a spontaneous mutation, or change, in a gene. (Spontaneous genetic mutations are not passed down from a parent.)
How are leukemias and lymphomas treated?
Here at Connecticut Children’s, treatment depends on your child's diagnosis and may include:
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Radiation therapy (when appropriate)
Our specialists work together to determine the best treatment plan for your child.
Why Choose Connecticut Children's?
Children with leukemia and lymphoma receive care from a team of pediatric cancer specialists who work together to provide advanced treatment, coordinated care and support for the whole family. From diagnosis through treatment and follow-up care, our team is here to support your child and your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can leukemia be cured?
Many children with leukemia respond very well to treatment, but every child is different. At Connecticut Children’s, your care team will give you a clear picture of what you can expect with treatment and a path forward.
Will my child need a bone marrow transplant?
Not every child with leukemia needs a bone marrow transplant. If your child qualifies, our team will explain why.