Causes and Risk Factors of Lymphoma
The lymphatic system’s cancer, lymphoma develops in the lymphocytes, a type of a WBC (white blood cell). The WBCs are responsible for helping the body fight several diseases. They also have a huge role to play in the immune defense of the body. Lymphoma might develop in people regardless of age, but it is most common in children between 15 and 24 years. It is curable.
Problems with the immune system
The role of the immune system is to protect you from infections. Furthermore, it helps the body combat all the cells, which are unhealthy, damaged, or not do function as required. The conditions, which cause these problems, make the body vulnerable. As a result, lymphocytes go haywire and cause lymphoma. Some of the medical conditions that result in the problem with the immune system are as follows.
- Autoimmune disease
- Immunodeficiency disorder
- Conditions, which are cured using immunosuppressive drugs
History
Though lymphoma is not a hereditary disease, your family history does put you at an increased risk of lymphoma. So, if you have had lymphoma in your family (parents, siblings, or child) or if you had it in the past, then you are more vulnerable to it. The risk is not directly linked to some genes. However, the risk heightens when you inherit multiple polymorphisms. Your lifestyle, too, can put you at risk of developing the disease.
Immunodeficiency disorders
The primary immunodeficiency disorders are the issues you are born with or lead to a genetic cause. There is a myriad of different immunodeficiency disorders. These include Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome and ataxia-telangiectasia. So, people who have these disorders are more susceptible to developing lymphoma. However, it does depend on the type of disorder you have. As these disorders are rare, the cases of this type of lymphoma are relatively low.
Consumption of immunosuppressive drugs
Those who have had an organ or donor stem cell transplant are supposed to consume immunosuppressive drugs. These drugs prevent the body from reacting badly to the donor cells or organs. A few people even take medications for their autoimmune conditions. When you are on these drugs, your risk of developing lymphoma is more. However, the degree of risk depends on factors. For instance – the type of transplantation and the quantity of immunosuppression required.
HIV
HIV, too, makes you more susceptible to developing lymphoma. This is because anyone who has HIV has a weakened immune system, which cannot fight infections, primarily linked to a few cancers, such as lymphomas.
Some other risk factors
In addition to the causes of lymphoma mentioned above, there are a few other risk factors that elevate your risk of developing the disease.
- Age
Hodkin lymphoma usually develops in people between 15-40 or over 55 years. Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma develops in people who are 60 or older. - Gender
In general, males are more likely to develop lymphoma. However, there are a few subtypes, which are more prevalent in women. - Diseases
Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Celiac disease, or Sjögren’s syndrome, - Blood disorders
Have had a virus infection, such as hepatitis C or Epstein-Barr or T-cell leukemia - Treatment
Radiation therapy - Chemical exposure
Exposure to chemicals or benzene