Lymphoma in Children – Types, Symptoms & Treatment in Delhi

Lymphoma is the third most common cancer in children, and with timely diagnosis and modern treatment, it is also one of the most curable childhood cancers. Parents searching for answers about childhood lymphoma often feel overwhelmed, but pediatric lymphoma responds well to structured treatment when caught early.

This page covers the types, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, staging, and treatment of lymphoma in children, along with what parents should know about finding the right pediatric cancer specialist in Delhi.

What Is Lymphoma in Children?

Lymphoma in children is a cancer of the lymphatic system, the network of glands and vessels that helps the body fight infection. It develops when white blood cells called lymphocytes grow and divide abnormally, forming tumours in lymph nodes or other lymphatic tissue such as the spleen, thymus, or tonsils.

Childhood lymphoma is broadly divided into two categories:

• Hodgkin lymphoma (HL): Identified by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells, more common in older children and adolescents.

Click here to read more on Hodgkin lymphoma

• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL): A more diverse group of lymphomas that tends to occur in younger children and often grows more quickly.

Click here to read more on Non – Hodgkin lymphoma

Under the care of leading pediatric oncologists in Delhi experienced in childhood cancer treatment, both types are highly treatable, especially when identified in the early stages.

Types of Lymphoma in Children

The two main types of lymphoma in children are Hodgkin lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, each with distinct subtypes and treatment pathways.

Hodgkin Lymphoma in Children

Hodgkin lymphoma in children typically begins in the lymph nodes of the neck, chest, or underarms. It tends to spread in a predictable, step-by-step pattern from one lymph node group to the next, which makes staging and treatment planning more straightforward. It is more common in adolescents than in very young children.

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in Children

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in children includes several subtypes:

• Burkitt lymphoma: A fast-growing B-cell lymphoma, one of the most common NHL subtypes in children.
• Lymphoblastic lymphoma: Closely related to acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, often involving the chest or thymus.
• Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL): Can occur in children and adolescents, though more frequent in adults.
• Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL): A less common subtype that can affect lymph nodes as well as skin and other organs.

Symptoms of Lymphoma in Children

The most common early sign of lymphoma in children is a painless, persistent swelling in the neck, underarm, or groin that does not go away within a few weeks.

Other symptoms parents should watch for include:

• Persistent or unexplained fever
• Drenching night sweats
• Unexplained weight loss
• Ongoing fatigue or low energy
• Enlarged lymph nodes that keep growing rather than shrinking
• Swelling in the abdomen, or a feeling of fullness
• Persistent cough or breathing difficulty (when lymphoma affects the chest)
• Itchy skin without a rash

Many of these symptoms overlap with common childhood infections, which is exactly why lymphoma can be missed early. A lymph node swelling that persists beyond two to three weeks, especially without pain or an obvious infection, warrants evaluation by a pediatric oncologist in Delhi.

Causes and Risk Factors of Childhood Lymphoma

The exact cause of lymphoma in children is not fully understood, but it is believed to result from genetic changes in lymphocytes that are usually not inherited.

Known risk factors include:

• Weakened immune system: Children with congenital or acquired immune deficiencies have a higher risk.
• Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection: Linked to a proportion of Hodgkin lymphoma cases.
• Family history: A sibling or parent with Hodgkin lymphoma modestly increases risk, though most cases occur with no family history at all.
• Autoimmune conditions: Certain autoimmune disorders are associated with a slightly elevated risk.

It is important for parents to know that in the vast majority of cases, childhood lymphoma is not caused by anything the parents did or could have prevented.

How Is Lymphoma Diagnosed in Children?

Lymphoma in children is diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, imaging, and a lymph node biopsy that confirms the presence of cancerous cells.

The diagnostic process typically includes:

• Physical examination: Checking for swollen lymph nodes and organ enlargement.
• Blood tests: Complete blood count and markers that assess overall health and organ function.
• Imaging studies: CT scan, PET-CT, ultrasound, or MRI to assess the size and spread of affected lymph nodes.
• Lymph node biopsy: The definitive step. A sample of the affected lymph node is examined under a microscope to confirm lymphoma and identify its subtype.
• Bone marrow examination: Performed when there is concern that the lymphoma has spread to the bone marrow.

Lymphoma Staging in Children

Lymphoma staging in children determines how far the cancer has spread and directly shapes the treatment plan, ranging from Stage I (localised) to Stage IV (widespread).

Treatment for Childhood Lymphoma

Treatment for childhood lymphoma is typically built around chemotherapy, with radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or stem cell transplant added depending on the subtype, stage, and response to initial treatment.

• Chemotherapy for Pediatric Lymphoma

Chemotherapy is the backbone of treatment for both Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in children. Combination chemotherapy regimens are used in cycles, with the specific drugs and duration depending on subtype and stage.

• Radiation Therapy for Childhood Lymphoma

Radiation therapy may be used for localised disease or to consolidate treatment after chemotherapy, particularly in Hodgkin lymphoma. It is used selectively in children to minimise long-term effects on growth and development.

• Immunotherapy for Pediatric Lymphoma

Immunotherapy, including monoclonal antibodies that target specific proteins on lymphoma cells, is increasingly used alongside chemotherapy, especially for certain B-cell Non-Hodgkin lymphomas. It offers a more targeted approach with a different side-effect profile than conventional chemotherapy.

• Stem Cell Transplant for Lymphoma in Children

Stem cell transplant, most often autologous (using the child’s own stem cells), is generally reserved for relapsed or high-risk lymphoma that does not respond adequately to first-line treatment. It allows higher-dose chemotherapy to be given safely by restoring the bone marrow’s ability to produce healthy blood cells afterward.

Why Choose Dr. Satyendra Katewa for Pediatric Lymphoma Treatment in Delhi

Dr. Satyendra Katewa is a leading pediatric oncologist in Delhi with over 25 years of experience treating childhood cancers, including Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, at Max Hospital, Patparganj.

Families searching for the best doctor for lymphoma in children in Delhi can expect:

• Over 25 years of experience in pediatric haemato-oncology and bone marrow transplant.
• A comprehensive approach covering chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and stem cell transplant under one roof.
• Personalised, evidence-based treatment planning for every child.
• A dedicated team guiding families through diagnosis, treatment, and long-term follow-up.

As one of the most experienced children’s lymphoma specialists in Delhi NCR, Dr. Katewa’s team ensures families receive both advanced clinical care and clear, steady guidance throughout the treatment journey.

What Parents Should Remember:

Lymphoma in children, though serious, is a highly treatable condition with modern medical care.

Parents should not ignore persistent or unusual symptoms, especially enlarged lymph nodes that do not resolve over time. A timely evaluation helps ensure that, if treatment is needed, it can begin at the appropriate stage with the best possible approach.

With structured treatment protocols, multidisciplinary care, and regular follow-up, most children with lymphoma respond well to therapy and can return to normal daily life after treatment.

If you have concerns about your child’s symptoms you can consult Dr. Satyendra Katewa –  leading Paediatric Haemato-Oncologist and Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) specialist in Delhi

Click here to Book Appointment