Why is lymphoma on the rise

Some studies have suggested that chemicals such as benzene and certain herbicides and insecticides weed- and insect-killing substances may be linked to an increased risk of NHL. Research to clarify these possible links is still in progress. Some chemotherapy drugs used to treat other cancers may increase the risk of developing NHL many years later.

For example, patients who have been treated for Hodgkin lymphoma have an increased risk of later developing NHL. Some studies have suggested that certain drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis RA , such as methotrexate and the tumor necrosis factor TNF inhibitors, might increase the risk of NHL.

But other studies have not found an increased risk. Determining if these drugs increase risk is complicated by the fact that people with RA, which is an autoimmune disease, already have a higher risk of NHL see below. Studies of survivors of atomic bombs and nuclear reactor accidents have shown they have an increased risk of developing several types of cancer, including NHL, leukemia ,and thyroid cancer.

Patients treated with radiation therapy for some other cancers, such as Hodgkin lymphoma , have a slightly increased risk of developing NHL later in life. This risk is greater for patients treated with both radiation therapy and chemotherapy. People who have an autoimmune disease or are exposed to pesticides should be aware that their risk of lymphoma is greater than average, Epner said. For those groups, he advises "blood count checks and doing LDH and beta-2 microglobulin tests, which are not part of the standard panel, every six to 12 months.

If they go up, it may prompt further investigation. Treatment has changed dramatically," Williams said. Great strides have been made in treatments, including antibody-based chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation or even use of antibiotics, he said. Brenneman is currently undergoing chemotherapy mixed with a drug called Rituxan, a class of medications called biologic antineoplastic agents.

This treatment finds and attacks the B cells where non-Hodgkin lymphoma starts. I'm feeling pretty confident. Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission. All rights reserved About Us. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site.

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Health conditions that may cause problems with your immune system may include:. People who have had an organ transplant or an allogeneic donor stem cell transplant need to take immunosuppressive medications.

These medications suppress decrease the immune system response so as to prevent your body from rejecting the new donor organ or cells by reacting against them. Some people need to take immunosuppressive medications for other reasons, such as autoimmune disorders. Being on these medications can increase your risk of developing lymphoma. The increased risk can depend upon factors such as what type of transplant you had and how much immunosuppressive medication you need. Lymphomas that develop after a transplant are called post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders PTLDs.

People who have primary immunodeficiency disorders are born with or have a genetic cause to develop these changes in your genes.

There are many different types of these disorders. There is data that shows a higher risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma NHL in patients with congenital born with immune deficiencies than in people who are not born with these disorders. Children with congenital X-linked immunodeficiency and severe combined system immunodeficiency are at a higher risk of developing NHL.

NHL is also increased in young people with ataxia telangiectasia or Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome. These are rare disorders and so account for very few cases of lymphoma. Secondary immunodeficiency disorders are immune system problems that are caused by another condition or treatment than one that you are born with. This can include HIV or chemotherapy. Human immunodeficiency virus HIV infection is characterised by a specific deficiency of CD4 positive T-cells and the chronic stimulation of B-cells.

People with HIV are less able to fight infections that are linked to certain types of cancer, and some lymphomas in people with HIV are caused by viruses.

HIV infection is a risk factor for developing certain types of NHL, including primary central nervous system CNS lymphoma of the brain or spinal cord , Burkitt lymphoma, and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. In some people this can be an increased risk of developing lymphoma. The risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma NHL and Hodgkin lymphoma increases 2 to 3 times more in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

NHL incidence increases in people with certain autoimmune disorders that can include:. This is a common virus that can be found worldwide. It is a high risk factor, after getting EBV infection and for a type of Burkitt lymphoma in some parts of Africa. The Epstein-Barr virus is the cause of glandular fever. Most people in the world are infected by EBV at some stage. However, in most people, the infection does not usually cause any symptoms. EBV is found in the lymphoma cells of:. HTLV-1 spreads through sex and contaminated blood and can be passed to children through breast milk from an infected mother.

Hepatitis C virus HCV infection is the main cause of mixed cryoglobulinemia. This is a benign lymphoproliferation uncontrolled growth of cells that can change into B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma NHL.

The campylobacter jejuni virus is a common cause of food poisoning and is linked to MALT lymphoma in the bowel. The borrelia burgdorferi is a bacteria infection which causes Lyme disease and is linked to MALT lymphoma in the skin. HHV8 is a human herpesvirus that is widespread in homosexual men in Australia.

This occurs in adults with immunosuppression related to HIV infection or organ transplantation. There is limited evidence of an association between non-Hodgkin lymphoma NHL risk and factors indicating potential for infection and immunological stimulation, such as socioeconomic status and childhood crowding.

Risk of Hodgkin lymphoma in young adulthood is associated with indicators of higher childhood social class. This includes things such as single-family housing, small family size, early birth order, and high maternal education. These associations generate the hypothesis that HL in young adults is caused by delayed exposure to common childhood infections.

There is a known association with an increased risk of some non-Hodgkin lymphoma NHL and chemical exposure. This risk factor has been linked to both the use and production of pesticides and herbicides. Farmers have been linked to being at a higher risk due to being exposed to pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, infectious microorganisms, solvents, paints, fuels, oils, and dusts.

Other occupations that involve work with animals, such as meat abattoir workers, meat inspectors, and veterinarians have been associated with increased risk of both NHL and HL. Exposure to animal-borne viruses has been linked. However, occupational exposure to hair dyes is inconsistently associated with an increased risk of both NHL and HL.

The risk associated with occupational exposure to chemical compounds in hair dyes is shown by the potential for increased exposure to infectious agents through personal contact with clients. Although mixed, the balance of evidence favours a moderate positive association between occupation in a wood-related industry and Hodgkin lymphoma HL. The evidence about such an association for non-Hodgkin lymphoma NHL is weak and inconsistent. Studies have identified increased risk of NHL in industries with exposure to welding and asbestos, particles, as well as metal workers, rubber workers those in electrical occupations, as well as occupations of higher social class.

A new subtype of lymphoma has recently been classified that can be associated with breast implants. The implant can cause pockets of fluid and infection or inflammation that over time can develop into ALCL.

If this is found people will have the implant removed and any lumps or fluid removed by surgery. This can often be the only treatment some people need.

If more widespread, you are likely to have chemotherapy. Some people can develop a second cancer, that has developed often years after the first cancer.

A second cancer is different to a relapse of the first cancer, which is when the cancer comes back. Second cancers can also be late effects of the treatment that you received for the first cancer, that can occur many years later.

This can happen because treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy damage cells, including lymphocytes. Treatment for cancer can therefore increase your risk of developing a second cancer in the future. If you have had treatment for cancer, your medical team should give you information on what to look out for and how to reduce your risk of developing late effects. Monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis MBL is a non-cancerous condition.