Cancer in the lymphatic system is called lymphoma.

So what causes Lymphoma? The cause of most lymphomas is unknown. It has been hypothesized that it is triggered by mutations in the genes which regulate normal cell division.  Mutations in these genes cause the cells to divide uncontrollably leading to cancer and formation of tumors.

Some of the factors which can lead to mutations in the genes are listed below:

• Exposure to specific type chemicals such as solvents, pesticides, herbicides, and water which has been tainted with nitrate.
• Drugs that suppress the immune system during transplantation and surgeries.
• Autoimmune type diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Ulcers and gastritis caused by bacteria called H. pyelori.
• Having a damaged immune system due to diseases like AIDS.
• Some viruses like the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in Africa causes Burkitt’s lymphoma.

Substances causing Lymphoma:

Medicines like Mycophenolate and CellCept in large doses are known to affect the cells of the immune system and cause specific type lymphomas.

General factors causing Lymphoma:

It is believed Lymphoma can be triggered by other diseases. The diseases which weaken or destroy the immune system are known to cause lymphoma.  Some of these debilitating diseases are listed below:

1. Celiac Disease
2. HIV/AIDS
3. Pancreatic cancer
4. Sjogren’s Syndrome

Specific causes of Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas

Non Hodgkin’s Lymphomas are caused by any of the following cell abnormalities:

• Lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL) - It develops from native T or B cells. These are prevalent in the lymph nodes. The cancer can spread to multiple organs and can be fatal.

• Burkitt’s lymphoma - Develops from B-Cells. It has been named after the scientist Denis Burkitt who first found it in Africa. This is an endemic cancer which is caused by infection from the Epstein-Barr virus. The hypothesis is that the virus mutates the B cells into a cancerous one. Usually a tumour is formed either in the bone of the jaw, or in the abdomen.

Specific causes of Hodgkin’s disease

Hodgkin’s disease can be caused by a genetic predisposition or an exposure to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).  The correlation between these causes and Lymphoma shows greater incidence among children rather than with adults.  Moreover, everyone who has any one or all of the above infections or predisposition does not succumb to the onslaught of Hodgkin’s disease and hence the cause of the disease still remains a mystery in some ways.

It is clear from the above, that most researchers have not been able to pinpoint the source or cause of the disease.  Efforts have been made to find patterns in sample populations to identify risk factors which can trigger the onset of the disease. Even these patterns are indicative rather than conclusive and there are many exceptions to the rule.  The trigger of lymphoma remains a mystery. A number of hypotheses exist and are being explored.  However, today, its clinical manifestations alone are examined, classified and treated.