Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer affecting the lymphatic system, which is part of your body’s immune network. This system contains organs, glands, vessels, and lymph nodes that help fight germs.
When immune cells in this system grow abnormally, they can form tumors throughout the body.
This condition belongs to a broad category with many subtypes. Two common forms are diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma differs from Hodgkin lymphoma, which is classified separately.
Modern improvements in diagnosis and treatment have led to better outcomes for people with this condition.
Types of Blood Cancers
Blood cancers come in several forms, each affecting different parts of the immune system:
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: A slow-growing cancer that affects white blood cells called lymphocytes.
- Cutaneous B-cell Lymphoma: A type of cancer that affects B cells in the skin
- Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma: A rare type of cancer that begins in T cells and mainly affects the skin
- Follicular Lymphoma: A cancer that forms in follicle center cells and typically grows slowly.
- Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia: A rare blood cancer that produces abnormal proteins and affects B cells.
These blood cancers require different treatments based on their specific characteristics and how they affect the body.
Signs and Symptoms
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma can show itself through several signs that may vary from person to person. Common symptoms include:
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Chest discomfort, coughing, or breathing difficulties
- Extreme fatigue
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Unexplained weight loss
These symptoms might develop slowly over time. Some people may have only one or two symptoms, while others might experience several.
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
If you notice any lasting symptoms that concern you, make an appointment with your doctor. Early detection can lead to more effective treatment options.
Don’t ignore symptoms that persist for more than two weeks, especially swollen lymph nodes that don’t go away.
What Causes Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma typically starts in white blood cells called lymphocytes. The cause often remains unknown, but it begins when these cells develop DNA changes.
Normal DNA tells cells when to grow and when to die. In cancer cells, DNA changes give different instructions, causing cells to multiply quickly and live longer than they should.
Most non-Hodgkin lymphomas start in B cells, which are lymphocytes that make antibodies to fight infections. These B-cell lymphomas include several types:
- Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma
- Follicular Lymphoma
- Mantle Cell Lymphoma
- Burkitt’s Lymphoma
Less commonly, non-Hodgkin lymphoma affects T cells, which are lymphocytes that directly attack foreign invaders. T-cell lymphomas include:
- Peripheral T-cell Lymphoma
- Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
The treatment approach depends on whether the lymphoma comes from B cells or T cells.
These abnormal cells often collect in the lymph nodes but can affect other parts of the lymphatic system too, including:
- Lymph vessels
- Tonsils
- Adenoids
- Spleen
- Thymus
- Bone marrow
In rare cases, non-Hodgkin lymphoma can develop in body parts not connected to the lymphatic system. The extra cells create masses that can interfere with normal body functions.
Risk Factors
Several factors may increase a person’s chance of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma:
Age
People over 60 face a higher risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, though it can occur at any age.
Weakened Immune System
Taking immune-suppressing medications after an organ transplant may increase lymphoma risk.
Infections
Certain viruses and bacteria are linked to higher non-Hodgkin lymphoma risk:
- HIV infection
- Epstein-Barr virus
- Helicobacter pylori (stomach bacteria that causes ulcers)
Environmental Exposure
Some chemicals might raise risk levels:
- Pesticides
- Herbicides (weed killers)
Scientists still need to conduct more research to fully understand the connection between chemical exposure and lymphoma development.
It’s important to note that having risk factors doesn’t mean someone will definitely develop lymphoma. Many people with one or more risk factors never develop the disease, while others with no known risk factors do.
Prevention
Currently, there is no known way to prevent non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Some risk factors, like age, cannot be changed. Others, like certain infections, might be treated or prevented, but their direct impact on lymphoma prevention remains unclear.
