Lymphomas of head and neck in pediatric patients

Cancer among children is relatively uncommon, with approximately 1 in 7,000 children 0 to 14 years of age being newly diagnosed each year in the United States, and Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas constitute 10-15% of all childhood cancers in the more developed countries, after acute leukemias and brain tumors. The diagnosis of lymphoma frequently involves otolaryngologists that play also an important role in the its management. A high index of suspicion for lymphoma as a cause of complaints in the head and neck region can lead an early diagnosis and improved outcome for lymphomas. This article reviews the epidemiology, presentation, diagnosis, staging, treatment and prognosis of Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas in children.