Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is responsible for eliminating toxins and waste from the body. The system is comprised of vessels and filters that carry a fluid called lymph. This fluid contains white blood cells that help fight infections throughout the body. Lymphoma occurs when the body’s ability to produce lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, is disrupted. While the exact causes of lymphoma are not fully understood, there are several factors that have been identified as potential contributors. Here are ten of the most common causes of lymphoma.
Certain Infections
There are several infections that have been found to be associated with an increased risk for lymphoma. Two of these infections are the Epstein-Barr virus and Heliobacter pylori. Interestingly, a large percentage of people around the world are actually infected with the Epstein-Barr virus without even realizing it. This is because the virus is often asymptomatic, meaning it doesn’t cause any noticeable symptoms unless there is a triggering event that weakens the immune system. The Epstein-Barr virus is typically linked to Hodgkin type lymphomas. Aside from the Epstein-Barr virus, other infections that have been associated with lymphomas include HIV/AIDS, human T-lymphotropic virus, and human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8).
Increased Risk of Lymphoma for Individuals with a History of Cancer
Individuals who have previously battled cancer face a higher risk of developing lymphoma. This increased risk can be attributed to the damaging effects of chemotherapy treatment on lymphocytes, which are white blood cells crucial for a healthy immune system. The damage inflicted on lymphocytes during chemotherapy treatment can potentially lead to the development of lymphoma in the future. It is important to note that the onset of lymphoma can occur both several years after the initial cancer treatment or shortly after the completion of the treatment regimen.