Lymphoma occurs when lymph node cells start to multiply uncontrollably, producing cancerous cells that invade other surrounding tissues in the body. Lymphoma primarily comes in two forms: non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The former can be classified into many subtypes depending on whether it originates in the T-cell or B-cell and cell characteristics. This sub-type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma will determine the need for early treatment, responses to treatments, the nature of the treatment, and prognosis.

1. Causes of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Research shows that there are many risk factors for the condition, but the exact causes of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma are not yet known. This is more so because lymphomas are a miscellaneous group of cancers.

• Changes in genes

It is believed to be one of the main causes of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Certain changes in DNA may make normal lymphocytes become lymphoma cells. DNA is the chemical present in our cells that controls how cells will function. Genes that can grow and divide are the oncogenes, while those that keep cell division in check are tumor suppressor genes. But cancers which are triggered by DNA mutation may turn these oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes off. Patients of lymphoma may inherit gene mutations from any parent, and this increases the risks of certain types of cancers in them. When you have a family history of this condition, it heightens your risks. Acquired gene changes may be due to radiation exposure, cancer-causing chemicals, infections, etc.

• Changes in the immune systems

Since lymphocytes are the immune system cells, changes in the immune system can be responsible for lymphoma. So, people having immunodeficiencies because of treatment with specific medications, organ transplants, inherited conditions, or HIV, are more likely to be affected with lymphoma. Those with autoimmune diseases, where the immune system keeps attacking a specific body part, may also be susceptible to developing lymphoma.

• Chronic infections

Those with chronic infections can be at risk of getting non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Here, the immune system keeps producing new lymphocytes for fighting infections and this increases the chance of errors in the DNA.

• Genetic syndromes

Down syndrome and Klinefelter’s syndrome may be responsible for increasing risk factors. Immune disorders like Sjögren’s syndrome that is marked by unusual dryness in mucous membranes, systemic lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis can also be causes of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Inflammatory bowel diseases, especially Crohn’s disease, are also known to cause the condition.

2. Other causes of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

The other causes of this disease include the following:

• Celiac disease
• Bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori and Borrelia burgdorferi
• Viruses like HIV, HHV-8, HTLV-1, hepatitis virus, and Epstein Barr virus
• Regular exposure to some chemicals like weed killers, insecticides, chemicals used in industries like welding, lumber, and farming
• Treatments using immunosuppressant to stop organ transplant rejections, or to treat inflammatory diseases and autoimmune disorders
• The use of tumor necrosis factor agents for treating rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and IBD
• Previous exposure to chemotherapy and radiation for treating or cancer
• Use of hair dyes, particularly the dark and permanent varieties
• Treatments using certain seizure medications
• High nitrate levels in drinking water
• UV exposure
• Diets very high in meat and fat products
• Alcohol intake