Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is associated with several risk factors, but the accurate causes of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma remain elusive. A lot of progress has been made by the scientist to understand the manner in which specific alterations in the DNA can result in converting the normal lymphocytes into lymphoma cells.
There are some genes that will help the growth, division, and survival of cells. Such genes are called oncogenes. While the genes that control the division of cells or let the cells die at the appropriate time are known as tumor suppressor genes.
1. Family history
Cancer can be a result of changes in the DNA that can lead to switching off of the tumor suppressor genes and the switching on of the oncogenes. There are certain individuals who inherit DNA mutations from parents that raise the risk of certain types of cancers. The risk of lymphoma does increase when a person has the lymphoma in the family’s medical history. It can be non-Hodgkin lymphoma or Hodgkin lymphoma.
2. Lifestyle and age
The changes in the genes caused due to non-Hodgkin lymphoma mostly occur during a person’s life, instead of being inherited. When the gene changes are acquired, it can be due to the result of exposure to radiation, infections, or chemicals that can cause cancer. However, it has been found that such changes come around for no clear reason. It is also seen that these changes occur as a person begins to age which explains why lymphoma is usually found in elderly people.
3. Researchers are looking for more causes
Scientists are still on a quest to find out what are the exact changes that occur in the genes that get involved in the various types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. This information will be utilized to develop tests that provide accurate results for the detection and classification of specific kinds of lymphoma. It would be fortunate if the discoveries can be utilized for inventing new treatments for the condition. While the researchers are starting to understand some of the changes that occur in the genes which could result in the non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, there is still a possibility that they don’t know the reasons for the development of most of such changes occurring in the genes, especially in cases where there is no sure reason for the development of the condition.
4. Weakened immune system
The cells from where the lymphoma begins are called lymphocytes. These are the cells of the immune system. So, in case there are changes in a person’s immune system, it may play one of the prime roles in the lymphoma cases. Individuals who experience immune deficiencies caused due to conditions that have been inherited, transplantation of an organ, or HIV have a higher risk of developing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma as compared to people who do not have an immune system that is weakened. Individuals, who suffer from some autoimmune diseases where a certain part of the body is attacked constantly by the immune system, have a higher risk of developing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. There are also people who suffer from chronic infections that face a higher risk of developing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma moreover because the immune system is continuously creating new lymphocytes in order to fight the infection.
This article attempts to shed light on the causes of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. If one suspects that one might be showing symptoms pointing towards the disease, it is important to get yourself checked. It is important that one knows the causes of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma for a better understanding of the disease.