Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a general term for a group of cancers that originate in the lymph system. The two primary types of lymphoma are Hodgkin lymphoma, which spreads in an orderly manner from one group of lymph nodes to another; and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which spreads through the lymphatic system in a non-orderly manner.

Risk Factors

The main causes of lymphoma are unknown. However, research has shown that people infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are at much higher risk of developing lymphoma.* Other viral agents, such as human T-cell lymphotrophic virus and Epstein Barr virus, also have been linked with certain types of lymphoma.* Finally, some studies suggest that specific ingredients in herbicides and pesticides may be associated with lymphoma occurrence, but scientists have not defined the amount of such exposures required to increase the risk of developing lymphoma.*

Reference

*The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Lymphoma.