Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is usually characterized by the cells’ size, shape, arrangement, and growth pattern under a microscope. The size of the cells could either be large and small and their shape either cleaved or non-cleaved. Based on their growth pattern, they can vary between diffuse and follicular as well. The diffused cells are not scattered in appearance and follicular cells have a cluster-like formation. However, these characteristics are not always used to describe lymphoma types.

Sometimes, they have to go under special lab tests to be classified as a lymphoma type correctly. The most frequently occurring types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma can differ between children and adults. The common non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma types found in children are:

• Lymphoblastic
• Burkitt
• Large cell

The common feature found in all three types is that they multiply quickly and diffuse. The course of treatment for the condition highly depends on the type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma the child has been diagnosed with:

1. Lymphoblastic lymphoma
This is the second-most common type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma found in children, accounting for about 25-30% of the total cases reported. Male children are at a higher risk of developing this disease than female children. The cancer cells found in children who suffer from lymphoblastic lymphoma are young and are known as lymphoblasts. These are the same cells that affect children diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). As a result, this type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is not treated as lymphoma; instead, it falls under the classification of ALL and is treated accordingly.

2. Burkitt lymphoma
Also known as small non-cleaved cell lymphoma, Burkitt lymphoma is the most common type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, accounting for around 40% of the cases reported in children. It commonly affects boys aged between 5 and 10 years. The condition has a subtype, which sometimes is known as Burkitt-like lymphoma or non-Burkitt lymphoma. Moreover, this subtype has some common features with the diffuse B-cell lymphoma which can be seen under a microscope. However, its treatment is the same as Burkitt lymphoma. This lymphoma can affect different parts of the body, but it is commonly found in the abdomen. A child suffering from this type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is likely to develop a tumor in the abdomen which can sometimes create an obstruction in the bowels.

3. Large cells lymphomas
This non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma type can start developing in any part of the body, but it usually starts in more mature B and T-cells. These cancer cells do not reach the brain or the bone marrow and neither do they multiply as fast as other types of lymphomas that affect children. This particularly affects teens and older children commonly.

If one has a family history of cancer, regular screenings for children can help detect tumors early. This will also ensure that they get the right treatment options. Do speak to your doctor about the best options available.