Lymphoma is a type of cancer that starts in the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is part of the immune system; it circulates white blood cells around the body.

It includes the following:

• Lymph nodes
• Spleen
• Tonsils
• Bone marrow

In lymphoma, a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes starts to grow out of control. These cells form tumors in the lymphatic tissues.

Symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, fever without other illness or tiredness that doesn't go away.

Lymphoma Versus Leukemia

You may get lymphoma confused with another blood cancer, leukemia. Both are cancers, and both involve white blood cells.

• Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system. It creates solid tumors in the lymph nodes, spleen and immune cells.
• Leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. The body makes lots of abnormal blood cells.

The two main types of lymphoma are Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin.

Hodgkin Lymphoma

Hodgkin lymphoma often affects teens between 15 and 19 years old. We define it by a specific type of abnormal cell called Reed-Sternberg cells. It typically starts in the neck, chest or armpits.

It may spread to other parts of the body, but it is one of the most treatable forms of cancer in children.

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is more common in younger children between the ages of 5 and 15. This diverse group of lymphomas does not have Reed-Sternberg cells.

It can come on more quickly. It occurs in any part of the lymphatic system, including the abdomen, chest and lymph nodes.

While treatment is more intensive than for Hodgkin lymphoma, many children respond well to therapy.

There are a few types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that are more common in kids:

• Lymphoblastic: Primarily affects immature T-cells or B-cells. It often involves the bone marrow and the central nervous system.
• Burkitt's: A highly aggressive type. Causes rapid B-cell growth and masses in the abdomen.
• Large cell or diffuse large B-cell: A fast-growing type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It's characterized by large, abnormal B-cells. It can spread quickly throughout the body.
• Anaplastic large cell: A T-cell lymphoma involving lymph nodes and skin.
• Primary mediastinal B-cell: A rare type of B-cell lymphoma typically affecting the chest area. It is more common in young adults and can occur in kids.

Your cancer team will tailor a care plan to your child. They'll consider your child's age, health, medical history and unique type of lymphoma. The care plan may also change based on how your child responds to treatments.

Some of the most common treatments we use to fight cancer include:

• Chemotherapy: Drugs that kill fast-growing cells, like cancer. Chemotherapy is the primary treatment for most types of lymphoma in kids.
• Radiation: These high-energy rays damage cancer cells. We may use it for certain types of lymphoma. But less frequently than chemotherapy.
• Bone marrow transplant: Replaces cancerous bone marrow with healthy stem cells. We may use this if lymphoma doesn't respond to treatment or comes back after other treatments.
• Immunotherapy: Drugs that tell your body's immune system to fight cancer. It's becoming a key option for non-Hodgkin lymphomas that don't respond to or return after treatment.

While getting cancer treatment, your child may also need:

• Medicine to treat side effects like nausea or to protect healthy organs
• Blood transfusions if the cancer or its treatment affects the bone marrow
• Antibiotics to treat or prevent infections

After your child's treatment, they may no longer have any signs of cancer. Doctors call this remission. They'll still have many regular visits for routine follow-up care. We'll monitor their recovery and make sure the tumor isn't coming back.

The MACC Fund Center also offers support groups for patients and families. There are groups for every stage of the cancer journey — from diagnosis to survivorship.

Nationally recognized pediatric cancer care: In the 2026-27 U.S. News & World Report Best Children's Hospitals rankings, Children's Wisconsin was recognized for excellence in pediatric cancer care. Our specialists provide advanced cancer treatments, clinical research opportunities and family-centered support for children with cancer and blood disorders.

Your child may need aggressive treatment for lymphoma. We work to give you and your family the best and safest care possible. Our care teams create a welcoming, familiar, healing environment during your journey.

If your child needs to stay at the hospital, you will meet with their care team daily. Our expert team of nurses will check in throughout the day and will make sure you have everything you need and feel taken care of.

The MACC Fund Center has resources to make your time with us as comfortable as possible. You can use our:

• Family lounge
• Fully stocked kitchen
• Laundry facilities
• Young child playroom
• Teen center

Your child's outcomes after lymphoma depend on many factors.

These may include:

• The extent of the disease
• If the cancer has spread
• How they respond to care
• Their age and overall health
• Their tolerance of treatments
• New treatments for their specific cancer

Follow-up care is essential for kids with lymphoma. They may have side effects from treatment. They may also be more likely to get other cancers.

Contact our team if you have long-term care and maintenance questions. We can also help you join support groups and answer questions about future screenings.