Lymphatic cancer: genetic or environmental?

• May 5, 2024

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system of the body. It is isolated in the lymph nodes, the thymus gland of the lymph or the lymphatic system, which is composed of the bone marrow, the thymus, the lymph nodes, the tonsils, the appendix and the spleen.

The lymphatic system filters waste or unwanted materials such as fats and bacteria from body tissues. The one that collects dirt from the body is the lymph, a clear or sometimes yellowish liquid. But the question remains, why is a lymphoma acquired?

Unfortunately, the answer to this question is not simple. On the one hand, despite the thousands of hours dedicated to medical research and laboratory tests, the real cause of the disease remains unknown .

The two general factors are genetic and environmental. Genetics remains a complicated issue that is likely to not be resolved soon with a final answer. Inheritance can not yet be determined as a valid cause of the disease. However, it was found that people with inherited immune disorders such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and celiac disease are more likely to develop lymphoma.

On the side of environmental factors, it should be common knowledge that different health risks such as exposure to chemicals and radiation cause a variety of diseases, disorders and conditions. And this includes the development of lymphoma. More specifically, solvents such as acetone, alcohol in its various types, xylene, turpentine and benzene, have been associated with lymphoma.

The same can be said of the chemical herbicides and pesticides used by farmers and diverse workers in the agricultural sector, which puts them at greater risk of developing the disease. Some hair dyes have been found as a significant factor for the development of lymphoma in some patients. Although, it seems that these dyes were manufactured before 1980.

When the immune system weakens

Similarly, those who have immune system disorders are also at an increased risk of developing lymphoma. Those belonging to this type are patients with HIV / AIDS virus, Helicobacter Pylori and Epstein-Barr (EBV).

Video Medicine: TRACO 2016: Lymphoma and Ovarian cancer (May 2024).