Understanding Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Causes, Symptoms & Risk Factors

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma refers to cancer originating in the lymphatic system, the part of your body responsible for fighting diseases throughout your body. Non-Hodgkin's cancer cells originate from lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell.

Signs and Symptoms

• The most common symptom associated with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is swelling of the lymph nodes of the neck, armpit, collarbone region or groin; you also might have chest pain or coughing.

Genetic Factors

• Genetic factors are believed to play a role in some forms of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. There are certain genes that help control the rate of division of cells, and these genes are better established in some people than others. Over the course of a life, these genes can be damaged, leading to uncontrolled cell reproduction.

Autoimmune Disease

• People with autoimmune diseases are at a much greater risk of contracting non-Hodgkin's lymphoma than the average person.

Immune Deficiencies

• Immune deficiencies as a result of medication, HIV/AIDS, organ transplants or inherited conditions are commonly at a higher risk for the contraction of non-hodgkin's lymphoma.

Chronic Infections

• People with chronic infections are at a greater risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma because their lymph nodes are being continually stressed in an effort to fight the infection.