Customer question:
What causes non-Hodgkin lymphoma? Anonymous customer's question
Pharmacist's answer:
The exact cause of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is not entirely known, but certain factors and circumstances are associated with a higher risk of developing this disease. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a complex group of different types of cancer that affect the lymphatic system. It is essential to understand that none of these factors guarantee that a person will develop non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and most people with these risk factors do not develop the disease. Many cases of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma remain without a known cause.
Risk factors for the NHL include:
- Age: the risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma increases with age. This type of lymphoma is usually diagnosed in people over the age of 60, although it can occur in people of any age.
- Immune system: people with a weakened immune system have an increased risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This includes people with HIV infection, organ recipients, and people taking immunosuppressive drugs after a transplant.
- Infections: certain viral and bacterial infections are associated with a higher risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. For example, infection with Epstein-Barr herpes virus (EBV), human lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1), and Helicobacter pylori bacteria can play an important role.
- Genetic factors: certain genetic factors and a family history of cancer can increase the risk of NHL. However, most cases are not hereditary.
- Previous treatment: Certain treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, used for other types of cancer can increase the risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
- Certain chemical factors: Exposure to certain chemicals, such as pesticides, herbicides, solvents, and certain industrial chemical products, has been associated with an increased risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
- Autoimmune diseases: People with certain autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or Sjögren's syndrome, have an increased risk of NHL.
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