Lymphoma begins with a change to the structure of DNA in the B lymphocytes (type of white blood cell).
This DNA change is known as a genetic mutation.
The DNA gives the cells a basic set of instructions, such as when to grow and reproduce.The mutation in the DNA changes these instructions so that the cells keep growing. This causes them to multiply uncontrollably.
The abnormal lymphocyte cells usually begin to multiply in one or more lymph nodes in a particular area of the body, such as your neck or groin. Over time, it is possible for the abnormal lymphocyte cells to spread into other parts of your body, such as your bone marrow, spleen, liver, skin and lungs.
What triggers lymphoma?
The cause of the initial mutation that triggers lymphoma is unknown. Some experts believe it could be due to a number of related causes.
The known risk factors for developing lymphoma are:
- having a medical condition that weakens your immune system, such as HIV (this is known as immunosuppression)
- having medical treatment that weakens your immune system; for example, taking immunosuppressants because you have received an organ transplant
- being previously exposed to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which slightly increases your chance of developing lymphoma (EBV is a common virus that causes glandular fever, although most people develop immunity to it)
- having received chemotherapy or radiotherapy for an earlier unrelated cancer; this slightly increases your risk of developing lymphoma
Hodgkin’s lymphoma is not infectious and does not run in families. But there is a slightly higher chance of developing the condition if you have an identical twin with the cancer.
Google+
Causes of Hodgkin"s lymphoma
