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Common Causes, Risk Factors, and Symptoms of Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that attacks the lymphatic system, one of the most crucial elements of the immune system. The body relies on the immune system to fight off infections, bacteria, and external attacks that can cause one’s overall health to deteriorate. The lymphatic system primarily includes the lymph nodes, bone marrow, thymus gland, and the spleen. The nodes connect to vital organs and systems throughout the body which is why lymphoma can affect any part without the person even realizing an attack is imminent.

Common Causes, Risk Factors, and Symptoms of Lymphoma

Mainly, cancer causes the lymphocytes in the lymphatic system to multiply rapidly and grow out of control. Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma are the two main types of lymphoma that involve different variations of lymphocyte cells.

Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Genetic changes in the B lymphocytes due to the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is one of the causes of Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The trigger also leads to the development of Reed-Sternberg cells that affects the chemical composition of one’s DNA. Note that DNA is made up of two types of genetic cells, namely, oncogenes and suppressor genes. Lymphoma is the result of overactive oncogenes or idle suppressor genes responsible for stopping the cancerous growth in the first place.

There are many risk factors that contribute to the development of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, some of which are:

  • Age is one of the important risk factors as people in the early 20s or late 50s are at high risk of developing this cancerous condition.
  • Hodgkin’s lymphoma is known to affect men predominantly in comparison to women.
  • A family history of genetic disorders including people who have suffered from the condition can pass down the genetic mutation.
  • A weak immune system, especially after surgery, increases the risk of Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
  • People who suffer from autoimmune disorders are also at high risk of developing the condition.

The rapid production of malignant cancer cells can affect healthy tissue throughout the body by accessing the lymphatic system. Hodgkin’s lymphoma has different subtypes including nodular sclerosing Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NSHL), mixed cellularity Hodgkin’s lymphoma (MCHL), lymphocyte-rich classic Hodgkin’s lymphoma (LRCHL), lymphocyte depleted Hodgkin’s lymphoma (LDHL), and nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NLPHL).

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Unlike Hodgkin’s lymphoma, the exact causes of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma are not known. However, there are multiple risk factors that contribute to the development of the condition, these include:

  • Unbalanced molecular rearrangements and non-random chromosomal translocations can lead to an exchange of genetic material without full functionality of the gene.
  • Common viruses including the Hepatitis virus, EBV, HIV, and HHV-8 among others.
  • Certain inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease.
  • Immune deficiencies that can result in a weakened defense system including immune disorders passed down from generation to generation.
  • A family history of the disease and other genetic syndromes that can result in an imbalance in the genetic map of one’s DNA.

Signs and symptoms
Both Hodgkin’s and Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma may exhibit the following signs and symptoms:

  • Formation of lumps -A painless lump in the neck, armpits, or groin is one of the more visible signs of a developing condition. The enlarged lymph nodes indicate rapid multiplication of malignant cells that have spread to other vital organs throughout the body using the lymphatic system. Immediate medical attention is advisable in such cases as only a physician will be able to identify whether the lumps are generic or are the first sign of lymphoma.
  • Weight loss -Rapidly growing lymphocytes can force the immune system to work overtime to eradicate the decay of healthy cells. The countermeasure results in weight loss even if one follows a healthy and balanced diet. Medical attention is advisable in case the weight loss exceeds more than five percent of the total body weight in a short span of time.
  • Fever -Lymph node swellings can also cause temperature spikes in the body in the early stages of the condition. It is not uncommon for people to mistake the fever as a symptom of a common virus or infection. However, suffering from persistent fever at regular intervals along with sweating and unexplained weight loss can be symptoms of lymphoma.
  • Night sweats -Sweating is among the more visible indicators of a developing lymphoma condition. It is very unusual for one to be drenched in sweat in the middle of the night for no apparent reason. However, it is the body’s way of communicating that something is not right.
  • Weakness -The immune system is the primary target, where the rapid multiplication of cancer cells utilizes and drain vital nutrients needed for essential bodily functions. A weak immune system will result in fatigue more than often and immediate medical attention is advisable.
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