Lymphoma Cancer, Triggers and Symptoms to Watch Out For

By: dr. I Made Chandra Ari Kumara, Sp.B, Subsp. Onk (K)

The triggers for lymphatic cancer, or lymphoma, are indeed diverse and complex. Here is a more detailed explanation of the triggers for lymphatic cancer:

1. Immune System Disorders:
HIV/AIDS: People with HIV/AIDS have a very weak immune system, making them more susceptible to various types of cancer, including lymphoma.

Immunosuppressive Drugs: Drugs that suppress the immune system, such as those used after an organ transplant, can increase the risk of lymphoma. These drugs suppress the immune system to prevent organ rejection, but also make the body more susceptible to infection and cancer.

2. Viral or Bacterial Infections:
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV): EBV is a very common virus and usually causes mononucleosis (kissing disease). In some people, EBV can cause Hodgkin's lymphoma, the most common type of lymphoma.
Helicobacter pylori: This bacteria usually infects the stomach and can cause stomach ulcers. Some studies suggest that H. pylori infection may increase the risk of gastric lymphoma.

HTLV-1 virus: This virus can cause adult T-cell leukemia, a type of blood cancer related to lymphoma.

3. Chemical and Radiation Exposure:
Pesticides and Herbicides: Long-term exposure to pesticides and herbicides may increase the risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Radiation: Exposure to radiation, such as that used in cancer treatment, may increase the risk of lymphoma.

4. Family History:

Genetics: Having a family member with lymphoma may increase your risk of developing the disease. This suggests that genetic factors may play a role in the development of lymphoma.

5. Age and Gender:
Age: The risk of lymphoma increases with age.
Gender: Men are more likely to develop Hodgkin lymphoma than women, while women are more likely to develop non-Hodgkin lymphoma than men.

What are the symptoms that can be felt:
Lymph cancer can cause several symptoms that can be felt. Here are the common symptoms of lymph cancer:

Swelling / enlargement of the lymph nodes. Abnormal lymphocyte cells develop and accumulate in the lymph nodes. This can then cause swelling in the lymph nodes, especially in the neck, underarm, or groin area.
Fatigue that doesn't go away. Fatigue that doesn't go away is the result of disturbed metabolism due to abnormal cell growth in the body.
Fever and sweating at night. These lymphoma cells can produce certain chemicals that increase body temperature.
Weight loss for no particular reason. Because of the aggressive and rapid development of cancer cells, this will cause very rapid weight loss
Itchy skin. This lymph node cancer can cause itching of the skin, especially around the lymph nodes affected by cancer cells such as in the lower legs, or throughout the body.
Cough and shortness of breath. Coughing, shortness of breath, and even chest pain can arise as symptoms of lymphoma due to swollen lymph nodes in the chest area. The swollen lymph nodes press on the airways, lungs, or blood vessels, causing these symptoms.
Dizziness, headaches, seizures and other symptoms. These conditions generally occur when lymphoma cells begin or have spread to the brain or nervous system.
As a note, not everyone who is exposed to risk factors or experiences the symptoms above will get lymphoma. If you have concerns about your risk of lymphoma, consult your doctor for more specific information and advice.

Hopefully this article is useful!

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