Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a cancer that starts in the white blood cells, called lymphocytes, that are part of the body’s immune system. This cancer affects the lymph system, which is part of the immune system responsible for fighting infections and other diseases. It also helps to move fluids throughout the body. Lymphoma can begin anywhere in the body and spread rapidly.

There are many causes of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and a number of complications associated with it, including the following:

1. Causes of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
As per studies, there are various risk factors, but the causes of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma are not yet clearly known. This is further complicated as lymphomas are a varied range of cancers.

It begins when the body produces too many abnormal lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. Usually, lymphocytes have a fixed lifecycle where they grow, divide, and die. The body recreates new ones after that. One of the main causes of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is that the lymphocytes do not die but continue to grow and divide. Hence, the lymphocytes accumulate in the lymph nodes making them swell.

Apart from that, certain changes in gene structure can increase the chances of getting lymphoma. At times, people inherit cell mutations from parents, wherein there is an increased risk of cancers. It is one of the leading causes of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

People with immune deficiencies have a higher chance of getting lymphoma. People with certain auto-immune diseases and chronic infections are at a higher risk of getting lymphoma as they are making new lymphocytes all the time to fight infection. It is one of the primary causes of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

2. Symptoms of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

• Painless, swollen lymph nodes found in the groin, neck, armpits
• Abdominal swelling or pain
• Pain in the chest
• Coughing or trouble breathing
• Fever
• Unexplained weight loss
• Feeling fatigued all the time

You should see a doctor when these signs and symptoms continue for an extended period of time.

3. Complications of lymphoma
There are complications that one experiences due to lymphoma and also due to the treatment given.

• Weakened immunity

Being immunocompromised or having a weak immune system is one of the significant complications of lymphoma treatment. In fact, many of the medications given for this cancer weaken the immune system. You are more vulnerable to infections and can develop other serious complications.

• Infertility

Many treatments for this cancer can lead to infertility. However, it might be a temporary side effect. People who have received doses of chemotherapy or radiation are at high risk of infertility. Thus, the use of contraceptives is essential during chemotherapy and even one year after it, as it can damage the new embryo.

• Second cancers

People with one cancer have a higher chance of getting cancer again that might be the same or different from the first one. Treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation increase the risk further. Lymphoma can also increase the chances of heart diseases, lung infections, kidney problems, diabetes, thyroid, and cataracts at a younger age.