Lymphoma is caused by changes (mutations) in the DNA of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that helps fight infections. These DNA changes disrupt the normal instructions in cells, leading to uncontrolled growth and prolonged survival of abnormal lymphocytes. This causes the lymphocytes to multiply excessively, often accumulating in lymph nodes and other organs like the spleen and liver, leading to lymphoma. Several factors may increase the risk of these DNA mutations and the development of lymphoma, including:
- A weakened immune system (due to diseases like HIV, organ transplant medicines, or autoimmune diseases).
- Family history of lymphoma or blood cancers.
- Specific infections like Epstein-Barr virus, Helicobacter pylori, hepatitis C, HIV, and others.
- Exposure to certain chemicals or radiation.
- Age (different types of lymphoma are more common in different age groups).
However, the exact cause of why these DNA changes occur is often unknown, and many people with risk factors do not develop lymphoma. Most DNA changes likely happen by chance, and having risk factors only slightly increases the likelihood of lymphoma. Importantly, lymphoma is not infectious and cannot be caught or passed to others.
