LYMPHOMA OVERVIEW

     Lymphoma is a type of Cancer involving cells of the Immune System, called Lymphocytes. Just as Cancer represents many different diseases, Lymphoma represents many different Cancers of Lymphocytes - about 35 different subtypes,in fact.
     Lymphoma is a group of Cancers that effect the cells that play a role in the Immune System, and primarily represents cells involved in the Lymphatic system of the body.
     The Lymphatic System is part of the Immune System. It consists of a network of vessels that carry a fluid called Lymph, similar to the way that the network of blood vessels carry blood throughout the body. Lymph contains white blood cells called Lymphocytes. Lymphocytes attack a variety of infectious agents as well as many cells in the precancerous stages of development.
     Lymph Nodes are small collections of Lymph tissue that occur throughout the body. The Lymphatic System involves Lymphatic Channels that connect thousands of Lymph Nodes scattered throughout the body.Lymph flows through the Lymph Nodes, as well as through other Lymphatic Tissues including the spleen, the tonsils, the bone marrow, and the thymus gland.
     These Lymph Nodes filter the Lymph, which may carry bacteria, viruses or other microbes. The Lymph Nodes or glands as they may be called, filter the Lymph, which may on various occasions carry different microbial organisms.
     At infection sites, large numbers of these microbial organisms collect in the regional nodes and produce the tenderness and swelling typical of a localized infection. These enlarged and occasionally confluent collections of Lymph Nodes
( so called Lymphadenopathy) are often referred to as "swollen glands".
     Lymphocites recognize Pathogens (infection and abnormal cells) and destroy them. There are 2 major subtypes of Lymphocytes: B Lymphocytes and T Lymphocytes, also referred to as B cells and T cells.
     B Lymphocytes produce antibodies( proteins that circulates through the blood and lymph and attach to infectious organisms and abnormal cells). The combination attachment cell or antibody microbial organism essentially alerts other cells of the immune system to recognize and destroy these intruders, also known as pathogens.

     T - Cells, when activated, can kill pathogens directly. T-Cells also play a part in the mechanisms of Immunine System control to prevent the system from inappropriate overactivity or underactiviity.
     After fighting off an invader , some of the B and T Lymphocytes "remember" and are ready to fight it off if it returns.

YOUR CHILD - THE INITIAL DIAGNOSIS

    The initial diagnosis of Leukemia or Lymphoma may be one of the most challenging events for you, your child and your family. Your first concern may be, " What does this mean for my child?"
     Children, regardless of their age, are usually aware when their health is causing concern for their parents or medical staff. Your child may experience a variety of emotions in quick succession. Feelings such as anger, guilt, fear anxiety and sadness are all common reactions.
     Your childs treatment will involve new people and experiences that may sometimes be frightening.Treatment of children with Leukemia or Lymphoma usually takes place in medical centers' inpatient units and outpatient clinics. Your child will be admitted to the hospital almost as soon as the diagnosis is known. For some children this is the first time they have stayed away from home for a extended period of time.

COPING WITH CHILDHOOD LEUKEMIA AND LYMPHOMA

     Famalies face uncertainty when they are told that their child has Leukemia or Lymphoma. It is a time filled with new people and situations, worries and change. It may help to learn that Cancer survival rates for children have improved significantly during the last several decades due to new and better treatments. Doctors, nurses and scientists are working together around the globe to continue to improve outcomes for children diagnosed with Leukemia or Lymphoma - researchers continue to search for the causes, develope better treatment and tailor therapies to decrease long term effects. Social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists and other health professionals are also working to understand how to help children and famalies manage Cancer and its treatment and maintain a good quality of life.
     Childre with Leukemia or Lymphoma may face long periods of treatment. However, most children can expect to have full and productive lives. Many childhood Cancer  survivors return to school, attend college, enter the workforce, marry and become parents. Still, each family living with a Childhood Cancer diagnosis is thrown into a unfamiliar world. Coping with Childhood Leukemia or Lymphoma is for families dealing with this difficult circumstance. We hope this information will help families to cope with the emotional and social aspects of their childs illness.