Facebook Pixel

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: Interactions between Genes and Environmental Factors

 
Rate This

The incidence of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) rose during the latter half of the 20th century, and has now plateaued, although it is still rising in older people. It is currently the fifth most common cancer diagnosis in the United States. The reasons for the change in incidence are unknown.

NHL can occur at any age, but is more common among older people. The main symptoms are enlarged lymph nodes, fever, and weight loss. The cause is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. There are many subtypes of NHL, with different genetic factors. They can be aggressive (fast-growing) or indolent (slow-growing). A recent review article describes current medical knowledge of NHL risks.

Established risk factors are:
1. Age
2. Male gender
3. Family history
4. Inherited immunodeficiencies, for B-cell lymphomas
5. Autoimmune conditions: Sjogren's syndrome for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), celiac disease for T-cell lymphoma, systemic lupus erythematosus for B-cell lymphoma, and severe arthritis for all types
6. Infectious diseases: HTLV1, Helicobactor pylori, Epstein-Barr virus, HHV-8, hepatitis C, and HIV/AIDS
7. Benzene

Unfortunately, the known risk factors account for only a small proportion of all NHL cases. The variety of types of NHL make it difficult to identify environmental factors that may have played a role. Hypothesized risk factors are:
1. Obesity
2. Mild infections: mononucleosis, early birth order, and transfusions
3. Serum dioxin
4. Smoking
5. Hair dyes
6. Occupational exposures to chemicals indicated by serum polychlorinated biphenyl level, occupational pesticides and solvent exposures
7. Dietary factors: nitrates, nitrosamines, meat, protein

Factors that appear to be protective are:
1. Allergies and asthma
2. Alcohol
3. Sunlight
4. Dietary factors: vegetables, fruits, fish, and green tea

Many individuals have the environmental risk factors but do not develop the disease. Research into the interaction between genes and environmental factors aims to reveal the biological mechanisms of lymphoma and to provide more options for effective prevention and treatment. There are several organizations that promote research and education on lymphoma. Their web sites are included in the References.

References:

1. Wang SS et al, “Unraveling the interactions between environmental factors and genetic polymorphisms in non-Hodgkin lymphoma risk”, Expert Rev. Anticancer Ther. 2010; 10(3): 403-413.

2. More information online:
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/non-hodgkin
http://www.lymphomainfo.net/
http://www.lymphoma.org/site/pp.asp?c=chKOI6PEImE&b=1573289
http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/all_page.adp?item_id=7030

Linda Fugate is a scientist and writer in Austin, Texas. She has a Ph.D. in Physics and an M.S. in Macromolecular Science and Engineering. Her background includes academic and industrial research in materials science. She currently writes song lyrics and health articles.

Add a CommentComments

There are no comments yet. Be the first one and get the conversation started!

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
By submitting this form, you agree to EmpowHER's terms of service and privacy policy

We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Get Email Updates

Health Newsletter

Receive the latest and greatest in women's health and wellness from EmpowHER - for free!