What is Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?
The non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas (NHL) are a group of approximately 30 types of cancer affecting the lymphocytes, or white blood cells. These lymphocytes are part of the lymph system, which is part of the body’s immune system.
According to the National Cancer Institute, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma causes tens of thousands of deaths each year. In 2009, approximately 19,500 people in the United States died due to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma; at the same time, over 65,000 new cases of NHL were discovered.
Risk Factors for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Every individual case of cancer has multiple causes, including a combination of genetic and environmental factors that ultimately lead to the disease. Because of the genetic differences between individuals, some people will endure significant exposure to a known carcinogen without ever developing cancer. For example, most cigarette smokers never develop lung cancer, but scientists have known for decades that cigarette smoking causes that disease. This is also true with respect to the causes of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Scientists have identified several biological and environmental factors that can contribute to cause the disease, but many people will have these “risk factors” without ever developing NHL. Some of the risk factors for NHL that scientists have identified include:
- Autoimmune diseases – diseases that cause the immune system to attack the body are correlated with a higher risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Immune system deficiencies – people whose immune systems have been weakened by certain drugs, organ transplants, or HIV infections are more likely to develop NHL
- Chronic infections – certain types of persistent infections can strain the immune system and increase the chance of lymphoma.
However, recent research has revealed another cause of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma: exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs. Based on a series of recent, peer-reviewed scientific studies that have shown a consistent, significant relationship between, high levels of PCBs in a person’s blood and NHL, PCBs have been shown to cause the disease.1
To learn whether PCBs caused your non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, call 800-401-7497.
Symptoms of NHL
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma can affect several different organs and areas of the body which contain lymphoid tissue (part of the lymphatic system). Because of this, NHL may cause a number of symptoms, including:
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Abdominal pain, tenderness, or discomfort
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
- Headaches and difficulty thinking
- Personality changes
- Seizures
- Weight loss
- Fever and night sweats
- Itchy lumps under the skin
If you or someone you love is experiencing any of the above symptoms and have risk factors for NHL, please consult a doctor immediately.
Prognosis for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
The prognosis for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma depends on several factors and may vary depending on the specific type of NHL. In general, the following factors may lead to a poor prognosis:
- Wider spread of lymphoma, affecting at least one organ other than the lymph nodes
- Being in the advanced stages of NHL (stage III or IV)
- Older age (over 60 years of age)
- Having elevated levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), indicating fast-growing tumors
As with many cancers, the earlier NHL is diagnosed, the better it can be treated. Depending on the specifics of the case, NHL can have a 5-year survival rate as high as 90% or as low as 50%.
PCBs and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Coping with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma isn’t easy. Recent research shows that high blood levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are to blame for some cases of NHL. If you are living with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, we can help you find out if your cancer was caused by PCBs.
Call 800-401-7497 to learn more.
1These studies include:
Rothman, et al., “A Nested Case-Control Study of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and Serum Organochlorine Residues,” 350 Lancet 240 (1997);
Hardell, et al., “Case-Control Study on Concentrations of Organohalogen Compounds and Titers of Antibodies to Epstein-Barr Virus Antigens in the Etiology of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma,” 42 Leukemia and Lymphoma 619 (2001);
Hardell, et al., “Concentrations of Organohalogen Compounds and Titres of Antibodies to Epstein-Barr Virus Antigens and the Risk for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma,” 21 Oncology Reports 1567 (2009);
Spinelli, et al., “Organochlorines and risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma,” 121 Int. J. Cancer 2767 (2007); Engel, et al., “Polychlorinated Biphenyl Levels in Peripheral Blood and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: A Report from Three Cohorts,” 67 Cancer Res 11 (2007);
De Roos, et al., “Persistent Organochlorine Chemicals in Plasma and Risk of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma,” 65 Cancer Res. 23 (2005).
Bertrand, et al. (study soon to be published in the American Journal of Epidemiology).
