Causes
of Lymphoma
A cancer in the lymphatic system is called lymphoma. This
malignancy is formed due to abnormalities in the lymphocytes,
specifically the B-lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes. The cancerous
cells collect in lymph nodes, causing them to become enlarged
and rubbery, but not painful. This article will be an in depth
look of the causes of lymphoma.
Exactly how these causes of lymphoma start the malignancy is
not known. There are some who are exposed to such risk factors,
but do not develop lymphoma. It is not genetically transferred,
but if a sibling or immediate family member has a history of
cancer, there is a chance that you may be predisposed to this
condition. The risk has been observed to as much as 50% between
twins.
Chemical exposure is also seen as one of the causes of
lymphoma. Benzene is a chemical found cigarette smoke and
gasoline. People working in the oil refining and plastic
manufacturing are at high risk in developing this cancer.
Pesticides have also been identified as one of the causes of
lymphoma. Farmers who use pesticides without protective
equipments such as masks, boots, and gloves are more likely to
develop lymphoma. Ingested pesticides through water supply and
food can also cause lymphoma. This is why organic food is given
as much as possible to people who is high risk in developing
lymphoma or other types of cancer.
Viral infections are also attributed as among the causes of
lymphoma. Viruses attack the body and invade the cells,
mimicking their genetic make-up. This can cause a cell to
weaken and be prone to DNA/RNA changes that can lead to other
types of malignancies, and that includes lymphoma. Epstein-Barr
virus (causative agent of mononucleosis or “kissing disease) is
one of the probable causes of lymphoma. History of
mononucleosis and malaria has been linked in the formation of
Burkitt’s lymphoma in African children. Helicobacter Pylori,
causative agent of gastric ulcers and polyps, is also tagged as
one of the causes of lymphoma particularly MALT lymphoma.
HIV/AIDS infection is also included among the causes of
lymphoma. This virus or viral condition is linked to the
formation of B-cell lymphoma.
Remember that these causes of lymphoma can and cannot cause
lymphoma. There are those who have been exposed to certain
environmental conditions but lived a lymphoma-free life. What
you must know is that if you are predisposed to having
lymphoma, environmental causes of lymphoma should be avoided at
all costs. Research is still being done to know what exactly
causes lymphoma and how these factors precipitate malignant
changes in cells.
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