The causes leading to the development of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma are not well known; however factors are suspected.
- AIDS / HIV – those with AIDS / HIV are at high risk of having lymphoma. In addition, people who have weakened immune system due to certain conditions such as malnutrition and Immunosuppression are at risk.
- Age – non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is more common among people in their 60s or older.
- Genetic – genetic factors may predispose you to have non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma; the risk is even higher if you live in a carcinogenic environment.
- Infection – certain viral and bacterial infections are suspected in the development of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma:
- a)helicobacter pylori
- b)hepatitis C virus
- c)Epstein-Barr virus
- d)HTLV-1 (Human T lymphoma / leukemia virus)
- e)herpes virus – HHV 6 and HHV 8.
Some immunosuppressive diseases:
- lupus
- sarcoidosis
- scleroderma
- Celiac Disease
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
- rheumatoid arthritis
- Sjogren’s Syndrome.