NHL Ris Factors

FROM THE CLEVELAND CLINIC:

What are the risk factors for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL)?

• Being older, male, or Caucasian
• Having any of the following conditions:
• An inherited immune system disorder
• An autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis
• HIV/AIDS
• Human T-lymphotrophic virus Type I or Epstein-Barr virus
• Repeated bouts of Helicobacter pylori infection, which causes stomach ulcers
• Use of immunosuppressant drugs following an organ transplant
• High levels of exposure to certain pesticides has been found in some observational studies to slightly increase the risk of NHL in in agricultural workers. The risk from low level and/or periodic exposure to these substances is not certain.
• Exposure to radiation
• A diet containing high amounts of meat and fat
• Previous treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma

How common is adult non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL)?

An estimated 74,200 new cases of NHL are expected to be diagnosed in 2019. About 1,000 people will die from the disease in 2019. NHL is the seventh most common cancer in US adults.

What are the symptoms of adult non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL)?

• Painless swelling in the lymph nodes of the neck, underarm, groin, or stomach
• Unexplained fever
• Heavy night sweats
• Feeling much more tired than usual for at least several weeks for no apparent reason
• Unexplained weight loss
• Skin rash or itchy skin
• Unexplained pain in the chest, abdomen, or bones
• A feeling of fullness even though you did not eat a lot

These symptoms and signs are common to many conditions. You shouldn’t assume that you have NHL. However, you should contact your healthcare provider when you have symptoms that worry you.