Pediatric Lymphomas: Key Concepts and Clinical Approaches for Pediatricians

Lymphomas are the third most prevalent pediatric cancer following leukemia and brain tumors, representing 10% to15% of all childhood cancers. We can divide lymphomas into Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas, with marked differences between these 2 groups. Clinical manifestations can be insidious, and clinicians should have a high index of suspicion when treating patients with lymphadenopathies, weight loss, or prolonged fever. Although refinements in chemotherapy regimens have improved survival for pediatric lymphomas, more recent successful incorporation of targeted therapies offers hope for even better outcomes with fewer late effects. Given the excellent prognosis for many of these patients, it is increasingly important for primary care physicians to recognize and manage potential late effects of therapy, both physical and psychological.