What Are the Causes of Lymphoma?
Lymphoma is a type of cancer in which the cells of the lymph glands grow uncontrollably and become cancerous tumors. While there are several different types of lymphoma, it is not clear precisely what triggers or causes the cancer to begin growing. However, several risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing lymphoma. These risk factors include chemical exposure, autoimmune system disorders, use of immunosuppressive drugs, a weakened immune system, age and genetics.
Chemical Exposure
According to eHealthMD, working or living in an environment in which chemical exposure to solvents, pesticides or herbicides occurs can increase the potential for developing lymphoma. Another known chemical that may cause the development of lymphoma is nitrate, which can contaminate water. These chemicals are all known to cause mutations in cell development, contributing to the growth of cancerous tumors.
Autoimmune System Disorders
Dr. Wendy Hu of the Huntington Memorial Medical Center Department of Oncology in Pasadena, California, says that specific autoimmune system disorders, such as systemic lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, can be a contributing factor in a person developing lymphoma. Potentially, this could be due to the fact that these conditions are characterized by the immune system attacking healthy tissues of the body.
Immunosuppressive Drugs
According to Dr. Hu, immunosuppressive drugs can affect the body’s ability to discard unhealthy cells. Similar to what occurs with immune system disorders, defective and mutated cells can grow into cancerous tumors as a result of the immune system being suppressed. Immunosuppressive drugs are often given as part of chemotherapy treatment for other types of cancer or as treatment for illnesses, such as systemic lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Weakened Immune System
Another factor that can contribute to the potential to develop lymphoma is a weakened immune system. Viruses such as HIV can suppress the immune system so that it does not adequately attack potentially damaged or mutated cells. According to Dr. Hu several other infections fall into the same category as HIV: Epstein-Barr, hepatitis B and C, h pylori and human T-lymphocytic virus type 1 (HTLV1). Epstein-Barr is associated with mononeucleosis and h pylori is associated with gastric ulcers.
Age and Genetics
Age and genetics also are contributing factors in whether a person will develop lymphoma. According to Dr. Hu, the older a person is the increased chance of developing lymphoma. Lymphoma is a condition that is more likely to occur in individuals who are in their 50s and older than in younger individuals. In addition, if a person has a family history of lymphoma, there is an increased chance of developing lymphatic cancer.
