Doctors have no real clarity on what causes lymphoma. However, the disease develops when the lymphocyte, a disease-fighting white blood cell, undergoes an abnormal mutation. As a result of this, the cells multiply rapidly. Here, we will discuss the common causes and signs of lymphoma.

Common causes and signs of lymphoma
As discussed, there is no real cause of lymphoma. However, there are a few risk factors, which aggravate your risk for developing lymphoma. However, just having a few risk factors does not imply that you will develop the disease. But yes, your chances over an average person will be heightened. Some of these risk factors include the following.

Causes of lymphoma

• Age
  The risk of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is higher in people over the age of 60. However, some young adults and children may also have it. On the other hand, the risk of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is more prevalent in people between 20 and 30. Even people over the age of 55 have a high risk of HL.

• Sex
  A few NHL variants may be seen in women, while a few others are common in men. In HL, men are more vulnerable than women.

• Ethnicity
  Among the people in the US, Asian Americans and African Americans have a reduced risk of NHL compared to white people. NHL is usually seen in developed nations.

• Radiation and chemicals
  People exposed to high levels of agricultural chemicals and nuclear radiation are more susceptible to NHL than others.

• Immunodeficiency
  Someone who has a weak immune system is at a greater risk of developing NHL. It may be because of the anti-rejection medications consumed after infections like HIV or after an organ transplant. HIV also increases your risk of HL.

• Autoimmune diseases
  When the immune system attacks the body’s cells, it is known as the autoimmune disease. It includes celiac disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

• Infections
  A few viral infections, such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or bacterial infections, alter lymphocytes and increase NHL and HL risk.

• Breast implants
  These also heighten your risk of anaplastic large cell lymphoma.

• Diet and body weight
  People who are overweight have a higher risk of developing lymphoma.

• Genes
  If your close family member – parents, identical twin, or sibling has HL, then your risk for developing HL is higher.

Signs of lymphoma

• Swollen lymph nodes
  The most prevalent sign of lymphoma a lump or a cluster of lumps in the groin or armpit.

• Fatigue
  Fatigue is the constant feeling of exhaustion or tiredness after only a little effort. It might not even feel better after rest.

• Incomprehensible weight loss
  If you are losing weight without even trying, it can be a sign of lymphoma.

• Sweating
  In lymphoma, you might experience a lot of night sweating. Sweating may happen even during the day.

• Itching
  If you have itching without any sign of rash, it can be a sign of lymphoma.

• Other symptoms
  • Persistent fever
  • Persistent coughing
  • Breathlessness
  • Swelling or pain in the abdomen

These are the common causes and signs of lymphoma.