Lymphomas can start anywhere in the lymphatic system, but Hodgkin Lymphoma is most likely to start in the lymph nodes in the neck. Lymph nodes are connected by a network of tiny lymphatic vessels that contain lymph fluid. The lymphatic system is made up of the bone marrow, thymus, spleen, and lymph nodes (or lymph glands). The lymphatic system is part of the immune system, the body’s natural defence against infection and disease. This information is about classical Hodgkin lymphoma, but it includes a short section about LPHL. There are 2 main types of Hodgkin lymphoma: classical Hodgkin lymphoma, which affects 95% of patients, and Lymphocyte Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma (LPHL), which only affects 5% of patients. Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that occurs in the lymphatic system. Your child’s specialist will give you more detailed information and, if you have any questions, it’s important to ask the specialist doctor or nurse who knows your child’s individual situation. Understanding more about the cancer your child has, and the treatments that may be used, can often help parents to cope. At times it can feel overwhelming, but there are many healthcare professionals and support organisations to help you through this difficult time. It’s devastating to hear that your child has cancer.
There are new and better drugs and treatments, and we can now also work to reduce the after-effects of having had cancer in the past. More children than ever are surviving childhood cancer. It can affect children at any age but is more common in older teenagers and young adults. Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of blood cancer.