Surgery for Lymphoma in Children

Surgery usually doesn’t have a major role in treating lymphoma in children because it is unlikely to cure most lymphomas by itself. But it might be used in some situations.

When is surgery used for lymphoma in children?

Surgery might be used for some Burkitt lymphomas, certain rare pediatric lymphomas, and in other situations, such as a biopsy.  

Burkitt lymphoma

Surgery is sometimes used as the first treatment for early-stage Burkitt lymphoma that is only in one area, such as part of the intestine. The goal is to remove as much of the tumor as possible before chemotherapy (chemo).

If the lymphoma can be removed completely, a child might be able to get a less intensive chemo regimen.

Follicular lymphoma or nodal marginal zone lymphoma

For some rare pediatric lymphomas, including follicular lymphoma and nodal marginal zone lymphoma, surgery may cure the cancer.

Other uses

Surgery might be used in other situations, including:

• Getting biopsy samples to help determine the exact type of lymphoma, if doctors can’t get enough tissue with a nonsurgical procedure such as a needle biopsy or bone marrow biopsy.
• Inserting a central venous catheter (CVC) or venous access device (VAD). This is a small plastic tube placed into a large blood vessel near the heart. The end of the tube stays just under a child’s skin or sticks out in their chest area or upper arm. It is left in place during treatment to give intravenous (IV) drugs such as chemo and to take blood samples. This lowers the number of needle sticks during treatment.
• Treating some emergency situations, such as lymphoma blocking a child’s intestines.

Possible risks and side effects of surgery

The possible complications of any surgery depend on its location, the extent of the operation, and a child’s health beforehand. Serious complications are rare but can include problems with anesthesia, bleeding, blood clots, wound infections, and pneumonia.

Most children will have some pain for a while after surgery, although medicines can usually help control the pain if needed.