World Lymphoma Awareness Day is celebrated every year on 15th of September with various activities to raise awareness of lymphatic cancers.

Dr. Suat Günsel University of Kyrenia Hospital Child Health and Diseases Specialist Dr. Nermin Ankay answered our following questions for this important day:

What is Lymphoma?
Lymphoma is a group of cancer originated from the lymph nodes. It occurs when blood cells called lymphocytes grow out of control in the lymph nodes. Malignant lymphocytes spread in the spleen, liver, bone marrow and other organs besides the lymph nodes. Lymphoma is divided into two groups known as Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Although the cause of the disease is not known in most cases, there is a relationship between Lymphoma and EBV infection known as herpes and HIV. In addition, pesticides, radiation, congenital or acquired immune system diseases also increase the risk.

What are the statistics and symptoms of Lymphoma?
Lymphoma which is one of the most common types of cancers seen in children, ranks third after leukemia and brain tumor. Rates of lymphoma are highest among children between the ages of 5 to 10 years old. The symptoms of lymphoma in children varies according to the type, prevalence and the region of the disease. Although the symptoms of lymphoma occur in many other common pediatric diseases, it should be taken into caution if you notice any painless swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, armpit and groin, and a pediatric specialist should be consulted immediately.

The most important symptom in the head and neck region is lymph tissue enlargement in lymph nodes and tonsils. Fever and weight loss are other important symptoms. As it is known, fever is the most common symptom of many childhood diseases. However, the risk of lymphoma should be kept in mind in case of fever lasting longer than 5 days, along with night sweating, fatigue and enlargement of the liver, spleen and lymph gland, and patients should be evaluated in this respect. If the lymphoma also develops in the abdomen, complaints such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation may occur. If it also occurs in the chest cavity, it may lead to cough, chest pain and respiratory problems. In addition, bone pain may develop if spread to the bone marrow.

How is Lymphoma treated?
Early diagnosis is one of the most important factors in the success of treatment. The main treatment of lymphoma is chemotherapy and radiotherapy. For patients in a better condition, stem cell transplantation with high dose chemotherapy can be performed. The cure rates are 70-80% for lymphoma patients. The factors affecting the course of the disease includes the stage of the disease, the type and prevalence of lymphoma, and the presence of another disease. Nowadays, it is possible for children with lymphoma cancer which is among the curable diseases, to maintain a completely healthy life under certain controls.