Early symptoms of mesenteric lymphoma in children typically include abdominal pain, an abdominal mass, fever, and weight loss. Treatment requires a combination of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy, with the specific plan tailored to the individual child's condition.
1. Abdominal pain is a common early symptom of mesenteric lymphoma, usually manifesting as persistent or intermittent dull pain, often located around the navel or in the right lower abdomen. This is due to the tumor growing and compressing or invading surrounding tissues. Parents are advised to take their child to see a doctor promptly for an abdominal ultrasound or CT scan to confirm the diagnosis.
2. An abdominal mass is another important symptom. The mass is usually located around the navel or in the lower right abdomen, is firm, and has poor mobility. It may be tender to the touch. Early detection of the mass helps in timely diagnosis and treatment; parents are advised to have their children undergo regular abdominal palpation examinations.
3. Fever is a common systemic symptom of mesenteric lymphoma, usually presenting as a low-grade or moderate fever that lasts for a prolonged period. Fever may be related to an inflammatory response or infection caused by the tumor. Parents are advised to monitor their child's temperature changes and record the time and frequency of fever so that the doctor can assess the condition.
4. Weight loss is another common symptom of mesenteric lymphoma, usually manifesting as unexplained weight loss accompanied by loss of appetite and fatigue. This is due to the tumor consuming large amounts of energy and nutrients. Parents are advised to pay attention to their child's diet and nutritional intake, and consult a nutritionist to develop a reasonable dietary plan if necessary.
Chemotherapy is the primary treatment for mesenteric lymphoma, with commonly used drugs including cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and vincristine. These drugs control the disease by inhibiting tumor cell growth and division. Surgical treatment is suitable for cases where the tumor is large or compresses vital organs, and surgical procedures include tumor resection and lymph node dissection. Radiotherapy is mainly used as adjuvant therapy after surgery, using high-energy radiation to kill residual tumor cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Early symptoms of mesenteric lymphoma are varied, and parents should closely monitor their children's health and seek medical attention promptly if any abnormalities are found. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to improving the cure rate. Regular health checkups, maintaining healthy lifestyle and dietary habits, and strengthening immunity are recommended to prevent the onset of the disease.