What Causes Lymphoma?

Lymphoma is a form of cancer that can affect the various sections of the lymphatic system however it is commonly the lymphocyte cells and the lymph glands that are the primary sites of cancerous growth. Cancer is caused when the normal cellular DNA becomes mutated and the mechanisms that normally control the rate of cellular division go awry. This results in uncontrollable division and a huge excess of the mutated cells being created. But what causes the DNA to become mutated in the first place?

Unfortunately nobody knows exactly what causes lymphoma, or indeed any type of cancer, to initially develop however researchers have been able to identify a number of potential risk factors that may contribute to the chances of an individual developing the deadly disease. These factors include:

A family history of lymphoma or any other blood cell cancer i.e. leukaemia. This is because there may be a pre-existing mutation in a family's DNA which makes them more prone to further genetic mutations.
Having a medical condition which naturally depresses the immune system. This can include such conditions as HIV, AIDS, and any other forms of cancer.
Various viral infections, for example the Epstein - Barr virus and the Hepatitis C virus. Many of the general population carry the Epstein-Barr virus however it is quite safe while it remains inactive.
Autoimmune diseases where the body's immune system attacks its own organs, joints and bones. There are multiple autoimmune diseases however the most common ones include arthritis and lupus and possibly even asthma.
Various chemical agents that may be used in the workplace, for example pesticides, insecticides and some types of solvents. There are hundreds of chemicals which are thought to be carcinogenic and when they are inhaled daily for years on end then there is a big risk of cancer development.

Even if the above risk factors apply to you it doesn't mean that you will definitely develop lymphoma; it simply means that there is a higher chance of you developing it than someone who doesn't have any of the risk factors. At the end of the day all types of cancer develop randomly and nobody can say who will be affected and who won't.

There are various research studies going on around the world into what exactly causes lymphoma and what can be done to prevent it. Some facilities are concentrating on the genetic side of cancer while others are trying to develop a vaccine that will stop lymphoma from even starting. Unfortunately until the exact cause is discovered, a quick cure can not be found and so for now the current methods of treatment will have to suffice. The rate at which the details of cancer are being unravelled however means that we shouldn't have long to wait for the answers and that hopefully we should have a cure or at least more potent forms of treatment within the next few decades - and if not we can all still live in hope for our future generations.

Learn more about lymphoma through online health articles. You can read up on all forms of cancer from lymphoma to breast cancer and while medical sites are no substitute for doctor visits they can help you identify mysterious symptoms and gain insight into your health.