Lymphoma - Causes - Better Medicine

What causes lymphoma?

The underlying cause of lymphoma is not known, but in some cases lymphoma develops in people who have weakened immune systems. This includes people taking immune-suppressing drugs for an organ transplant or people with HIV/AIDS.

Certain infections are associated with the development of lymphoma. These include infection with the Epstein-Barr virus, Helicobacter pylori bacteria, and the human T-cell lymphocytotropic virus (HTLV). There may also be a familial connection to developing lymphoma.

What are the risk factors for lymphoma?

A number of factors are thought to increase your chances of developing lymphoma. Not all people with risk factors will develop lymphoma, and people who do not have risk factors can develop lymphoma.

Risk factors for lymphoma include:

Family history of lymphoma
Helicobacter pylori infection
Human T-cell lymphocytotropic virus (HTLV) infection
Mononucleosis or Epstein-Barr virus infection
Weakened immune system, due to such factors as taking immune-suppressing drugs for an organ transplant or having HIV infection or AIDS

INTRODUCTION

What is lymphoma?

Lymphoma is a general name for a group of cancers of the blood that originate in the lymph glands. The lymph glands are organs of the immune system and are part of the body’s defense against infection and disease. Lymph glands are located throughout the body.... Read more about lymphoma introduction

SYMPTOMS

What are the symptoms of lymphoma?

Symptoms of lymphoma can vary among individuals and differ depending on the specific type and stage of advancement of the disease.... Read more about lymphoma symptoms

TREATMENTS

How is lymphoma treated?

Treatment of lymphoma begins with seeking regular medical care throughout your life. Regular medical care allows a health care professional to best evaluate the risks of developing lymphoma and promptly order diagnostic testing for such symptoms as an enlarged lymph node. These measures greatly increase the chances of catching lymphoma in its earliest, most curable stage.... Read more about lymphoma treatments