Abdominal pain and vomiting may bring children with an abdominal lymphoma to medical attention. Lymphoma may spread to the bone marrow and cause abnormal blood counts. A complete evaluation by comprehensive physical examination, blood tests, bone marrow examination and a variety of x-rays is necessary to evaluate the spread of lymphoma before treatment can begin. The non Hodgkin's lymphomas consist of several different tumors. Types of therapy and the chance for cure depend not only upon the type of lymphoma but also upon how much the cancer has spread.
Special studies are necessary to determine the type of lymphoma and the correct diagnosis.
Therefore, as with other forms of cancer, it is very important that children suspected of having lymphoma be referred to a hospital where specialists in the care of children with cancer are located. This information is not a tool for self-diagnosis or a substitute for professional care.