The lymphoma is a malignant tumor from the lymphoma system, which includes lymphoma knots, spleen, bone marrow and other organizations that regulate the immune response of the body. The occurrence of lymphoma involves complex genetic, environmental and immunological factors. Although the medical profession is not yet fully clear about all the causes of lymphoma, a study of the mechanisms for its occurrence provides a more comprehensive picture of the causes. The following are some of the main causes of lymphoma:
Genetic mutations and genetic factors
The occurrence of lymphoma is often closely related to genetic mutation or chromosomal anomalies in lymphocytes. The lymphocytes are the main cells of the internal immune system and are responsible for identifying and attacking external pathogens such as bacteria, viruses and tumour cells. When the genes of these cells mutate, they may lose their normal breeding and regulatory capacity, thus contributing to cancer.
Genetic mutation: The occurrence of lymphoma usually involves mutation or defects in a given gene. For example, genetic mutations of B-cell lymphoma often involve genes associated with immuno-regulation, cell proliferation and extinction, such as BCL-2, MYC and TP53. These mutations can lead to uncontrolled growth of lymphocytes, resulting in tumours.
Chromosomal mutation: Some types of lymphoma (e.g., lymphoma permeating large B cells, filtration lymphoma) are closely related to specific chromosome mutation. For example, the transposition of chromosome No. 14 and chromosome No. 18 has led to overexpression of the BCL-2 gene, which inhibits tumour cell collapse and encourages lymphoma.
Genetic susceptibility: There may be a high incidence of lymphoma in some families, suggesting that genetic factors play a role in the occurrence of lymphoma. Although most lymphoma do not have a clear genetic orientation, studies have shown that close relatives of lymphoma patients (e.g. parents, siblings) may be more vulnerable to similar diseases.
2. Immunization system anomalies
The immune system plays a crucial role in the defence of alien pathogens and in the surveillance of cancer cells in the body. When problems arise in the immune system, it may not be possible to effectively identify and eliminate abnormal lymphocytes, thus contributing to lymphoma.
Immuno-deficiency: Individuals with low immune capacity are more vulnerable to lymphoma. Common immunodeficiency conditions include primary immunodeficiency syndrome (e.g., X-CLDD, IHD) and secondary immunodeficiency syndrome (e.g., HIV/AIDS, post-immunosuppressive drug treatment). The immune system for people with immuno-deficiency is not effective in identifying and removing potential carcinogenic cells, leading to the occurrence of malignant tumours such as lymphoma.
Chronic immunization irritation: Some chronic inflammations or immunopathy anomalies are also associated with lymphoma. For example, chronic hepatitis B, hepatitis C or stomach fungus fungus fungus infection can lead to a long-term activation of the immune system, and this chronic inflammation response may result in excessive cytofactors in the immune system and increase the risk of lymphocyte cell cancer.
Self-immunological diseases: Some self-immunological diseases, such as rheumatism, red lupus, dry syndrome, etc., can attack their own normal organization. Long-term immunisation responses and cell proliferation can increase the risk of lymphoma.
3. Environmental factors
In addition to genetic and immune factors, environmental factors play an important role in the occurrence of lymphoma. Certain external factors can increase the risk of lymphoma, including viral infections, chemical exposure and radiation.
Virus infections: Some virus infections are strongly associated with lymphoma. For example, **EB virus (Epstein-Barr Virus, EBV)** is considered to be the cause of certain types of lymphoma, in particular Hodgkin lymphoma, lymphoma associated with immuno-deficiency and some non-Hodgkin lymphoma. By infecting B-cells, the EB virus alters its genetic expression, thus promoting the occurrence of tumours.
Another virus associated with lymphoma is the human T-cell leukaemia virus (HTLV-1), which is closely related to adult T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma (ATL). Other viruses, such as HIV, Hepatitis B virus, may also indirectly increase the risk of lymphoma, including through immunosuppression.
Chemical exposure: Some chemicals are considered to be cause of lymphoma. Long-term exposure to pesticides, industrial chemicals (e.g. benzene, solvents, etc.) and certain chemical therapies (e.g. cyclophosphorous amide) may increase the risk of lymphoma. Especially in sectors where occupational exposure is higher (e.g. agricultural workers, chemical industry workers, etc.), the incidence of lymphoma is higher.
Radiation exposure: Long-term or large-scale radiation exposures, especially for patients who have undergone treatment, may increase the risk of lymphoma. For example, women who have been treated for breast lymphoma may increase the risk of the Hodgkin lymphoma. In addition, external radiation exposures, such as nuclear radiation, are closely related to the occurrence of lymphoma.
4. Age and gender factors
The occurrence of lymphoma is also related to age and sex. Different types of lymphoma have different incidences in different age groups.
Age factor: Hodgkin lymphoma is common among young people, especially between the ages of 15 and 35. Non-Hotchkin lymphoma is more common among older persons, with peaks occurring after age 60.
Gender: In general, men are more likely than women to have non-Hodgkin lymphoma, especially certain types of B-cell lymphoma. Hodgkin lymphoma has a lesser gender impact, but the incidence of male patients is slightly higher than that of female patients.
Lifestyle and eating habits
Poor lifestyles and eating habits may indirectly affect lymphoma. For example, smoking, alcohol and obesity are associated with multiple cancers, including lymphoma. In addition, chronic dietary imbalances and the lack of nutrients such as antioxidants and vitamin D can affect the normal functioning of the immune system, thus increasing the risk of lymphoma.
Conclusion
The occurrence of lymphoma is a complex process involving a variety of genetic, immunological, environmental and lifestyle factors. Although we are not yet fully aware of all the causes of lymphoma, we have been able to identify and understand the risk factors of lymphoma by studying genetics, viral infections, immune reactions and environmental exposure. Understanding these causes not only contributes to early prevention and detection of lymphoma, but also provides an important basis for future targets for treatment and immunization.
