Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is caused by changes in cell DNA. Some of these changes may be genetic, some may develop during a person’s lifetime due to an external influence, and still, others may occur for no known reason. Gene changes that lead to non-Hodgkin lymphoma are usually acquired during a person’s lifetime, commonly as a result of exposure to:
- Radiation
- Carcinogenic chemicals
- Infections
Age is also a major risk factor for non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Researchers believe this is because gene mutations occur more often as we get older. Other risk factors for non-Hodgkin lymphoma include a family history of lymphoma and changes in the immune system due to:
- An immune deficiency or inherited immune disorder
- An autoimmune disease, such as lupus
- A chronic infection like HIV/AIDS
- Treatment with certain drugs, such as methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis
- Treatment with immunosuppressant drugs to treat patients who have had an organ transplant
The common types of B-cell lymphoma include:
- Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).DLBCL makes up almost 1/3 of all lymphomas. It’s a fast-growing or aggressive type of lymphoma. About 3 in 4 people have no signs of lymphoma after treatment, and many people with DLBCL can be cured. The outcome or prognosis is best for people with lymphoma in only one part of the body.
- Follicular lymphoma. This type makes up about 1 in 5 lymphomas. It’s an indolent or slow-growing type of lymphoma. Most of the time, it’s found in many lymph nodes throughout the body and in the bone marrow. This lymphoma tends to grow slowly and often responds well to treatment. But it is hard to cure.
- Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL)/small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). These related types are named based on where the lymphoma is found. CLL is mostly in the blood and bone marrow. SLL is mainly in the lymph nodes. Both are slow-growing diseases. These lymphomas are often not curable with standard types of treatment. But most people can live with these types of lymphoma for more than 10 years.
- Extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphomas or MALT lymphomas. Marginal zone lymphomas make up about 1 in 20 to 1 in 10 lymphomas. They start outside of the lymph nodes. Most start in the stomach and are linked to an infection by Helicobacter pylori bacteria. MALT lymphomas can also start in the lungs, skin, thyroid, salivary glands, and the tissues around the eye. When it’s in the stomach, this lymphoma can often be cured by giving antibiotics to kill the bacteria that cause it.
- Mantle cell lymphoma. This type accounts for about 1 in 20 lymphomas. It’s more common in men than women. In most cases, it’s widespread when diagnosed: in lymph nodes, bone marrow, and often the spleen. This lymphoma does not grow very fast. But it can be hard to treat.
- Primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma. This type accounts for about 1 in 50 lymphomas. It is a subtype of DLBCL. It’s mostly found in young women. This lymphoma starts in the area around the heart and behind the chest bone, called the mediastinum. It’s a fast-growing lymphoma, but it’s treatable.
- Burkitt lymphoma. This type is rare in adults. It’s a lot like Burkitt-like lymphoma. Most people with this disease are male. This lymphoma grows very quickly. But more than half are cured with aggressive chemotherapy.
- Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma or Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia. This is a rare, slow-growing type of lymphoma. It’s found mainly in the bone marrow, lymph nodes, and spleen. People with this type usually live many years with the disease, but it’s usually not curable.
- Hairy cell leukaemia. Despite its name, this is often considered to be a type of lymphoma. It’s named for the hairy look of its cells. This lymphoma is typically found in the bone marrow, spleen, and blood. It tends to be slow growing and is often curable.
- Primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma. This type usually grows in the brain. It may also be found in the spinal cord and the tissues around it, as well as in the eye. Over time, it becomes widespread in the central nervous system. This type of lymphoma is more common in people with immune system problems, such as AIDS.
