This information represents the views of the doctors and nurses serving on the American Cancer Society's Cancer Information Database Editorial Board. These views are based on their interpretation of studies published in medical journals, as well as their own professional experience.

The treatment information in this document is not official policy of the Society and is not intended as medical advice to replace the expertise and judgment of your cancer care team. It is intended to help you and your family make informed decisions, together with your doctor.

Your doctor may have reasons for suggesting a treatment plan different from these general treatment options. Don't hesitate to ask him or her questions about your treatment options.

The first part of this section describes the various types of treatments used for non-Hodgkin lymphoma in children. This is followed by a description of the most common approaches used based on the stage (extent) of the disease.

Making treatment decisions

After lymphoma is diagnosed and tests have been done to determine its stage, your child's cancer care team will discuss the treatment options with you. The most important factors in choosing a treatment include the type and stage of the cancer, although other factors may also play a role.

Before treatment starts, it's a good idea to ask the pediatric cancer care team about the side effects your child might develop. They can tell you about common side effects, how long they might last, and how serious they might be.

Even if the disease appears to be localized to a single swollen lymph node, non-Hodgkin lymphoma in a child has usually spread by the time it is diagnosed. Lymphoma cells are probably present in other organs, but these are too small to be felt by the doctor or seen on imaging tests. For this reason, all children with non-Hodgkin lymphoma get chemotherapy, which can reach all parts of the body and kill lymphoma cells wherever they may be.

Last Medical Review: 07/08/2009
Last Revised: 07/08/2009