B-cell lymphoma is a form of cancer that starts in a white blood cell (lymphocyte) called a B cell. B cells make antibodies, the proteins in the immune system that help fight infections. They are often found in lymph nodes or other lymphoid tissues such as the spleen.
In B-cell lymphoma, some lymphocytes are no longer healthy and do not fight infection. Instead, they grow out of control, crowding out the normal cells and causing the lymph nodes to get bigger. As the disease advances, it may spread to the bone marrow, central nervous system, liver, spleen and reproductive organs.
The term “B-cell lymphoma” generally refers to a kind of lymphoma called non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL). B-cell lymphomas are rare in children and teens, but they usually respond well to treatment.
The most common types of B-cell lymphomas in children are:
B-cell lymphoma develops when something changes the genetic code of a lymphocyte, known as DNA. Changes to DNA cause the cells to work differently. In the case of B-cell lymphoma, these changes make it impossible for the B cells to fight infection. Instead, they just grow and divide.
In most children and young adults with B-cell lymphoma, the cause is unknown. People who have DNA repair defects or immune deficiencies, or those who take immunosuppressive medications, are at higher risk for developing this type of cancer.
The symptoms of B-cell lymphoma depend on what part of the body is affected by the disease, how fast it is growing, and how far it has spread at the time of diagnosis.
A common symptom is painless swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, armpit or groin. Other symptoms can include:
The first step in diagnosing B-cell lymphoma is to have a physical exam and blood work followed by imaging tests. Imaging tests can include:
Doctors also take a biopsy of the mass or lymph node and look at the tissue under a microscope to determine the specific type of B-cell lymphoma. They may also send genetic tests to help make the diagnosis and develop a treatment plan.
Some patients will need additional tests, including a spinal tap (also called a lumbar puncture) or bone marrow biopsy. This will help the care team see if the B-cell lymphoma has spread to the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord or to the spongy part of the bone where blood cells are made.
These tests determine the “stage” of the B-cell lymphoma. The care team will then determine the treatment plan based on the specific type and stage of B-cell lymphoma.
Good therapies exist for B-cell lymphoma, and most children and young adults do very well. The therapy(s) chosen depends on the exact diagnosis and stage of lymphoma.
The standard treatment for B-cell lymphoma is chemotherapy. This is often combined with immune-based therapies to target the B cells. If the disease is in one area of the body (localized), the treatment plan may include surgery and a short, less intensive course of chemotherapy. If the disease is more advanced, the treatment usually includes more courses of chemotherapy.
About 90% of children and young adults with B-cell lymphoma are cured with standard therapies. Sometimes, B-cell lymphoma resists treatment or returns after a time of remission. When this happens, the care team may use intensive chemotherapy in combination with other therapies, such as:
Cincinnati Children’s is one of the first pediatric hospitals certified to provide CAR-T therapy.
Some of these therapies are available only through clinical trials. Find B-cell lymphoma clinical studies at Cincinnati Children’s.
The overall survival rate for B-cell lymphoma in the United States is about 90%, depending on the type and stage of lymphoma. Children with localized disease have a better prognosis than those with advanced or widespread disease. B-cell lymphoma that does not respond to treatment or comes back after completion of treatment can be challenging to treat. It may need a combination of therapies and specialists to cure.
Cincinnati Children's is an international referral center for the treatment of children and young adults with high-risk and relapsed B-cell lymphoma. Our doctors lead national efforts in the development of new targeted therapies, immunological approaches, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).
Our Leukemia and Lymphoma Program ranks among the nation’s largest and most advanced. Our expert team cares for children and young adults newly diagnosed, as well as those with high-risk, treatment-resistant, or recurrent cancers.
Last Updated 05/2026
Learn more about our editorial policy.
3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229-3026
© 2026 Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. All rights reserved.
