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Lymphoma

Lymphoma - Causes and Risk Factors

What causes lymphoma?

There is no specific cause for lymphoma, but some factors that can increase the risk of lymphoma include:

  • Age – Some types of lymphoma are more common in young adults while others are more commonly diagnosed in people over the age of 55.
  • Gender – Males are slightly more likely to develop lymphoma compared to females.
  • An impaired immune system – Lymphoma is more common in people with diseases that affect the immune system (like autoimmune diseases) or in people who take drugs that suppress their immune system.
  • Infection – Some infections are associated with an increased risk of lymphoma such as Epstein-Barr virus and Helicobacter pylori infection.

What are the risk factors for lymphoma?

Although the exact cause of lymphoma is not known, several factors may increase the risk of developing the condition:

  • Family history: Having a close relative with lymphoma may slightly increase the risk of developing the disease.
  • Exposure to certain chemicals: Prolonged exposure to chemicals like pesticides and solvents may contribute to an increased risk of lymphoma.
  • Radiation exposure: High levels of radiation, particularly from previous cancer treatments, can raise the likelihood of developing lymphoma.
  • Weakened immune system: Conditions such as HIV/AIDS or having an organ transplant may lead to an increased risk due to a suppressed immune system.
  • Obesity: Some research suggests that being overweight may be linked to a higher risk of lymphoma, although further studies are needed.

These factors may not cause lymphoma directly but may contribute to an increased risk.

Our Care Team

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Chandramouli Nagarajan Clin Assoc Prof

Clin Assoc Prof Chandramouli Nagarajan

Senior Consultant

MBBS, FRCP(Edin), FRCPath(UK)

Clinical Interests: Lymphoma, Myeloma

Chen Yunxin Dr

Dr Chen Yunxin

Senior Consultant

MBBS, MRCP(UK), FRCPath(UK)

Clinical Interests: Lymphoma, Myeloma

Nicholas Grigoropoulos Dr

Dr Nicholas Grigoropoulos

Senior Consultant

MBBS, PhD, MRCP(UK), FRCPath(UK)

Clinical Interests: Lymphoma

Goh Yeow Tee Clin Prof

Clin Prof Goh Yeow Tee

Senior Consultant

MBBS, M Med (Int Med)

Clinical Interests: Stem Cell Transplantation, Lymphoproliferative Disease, Myeloma

Than Hein Dr

Dr Than Hein

Senior Consultant

MBBS, MRCP(UK), MMed(Int Med), FRCPath(UK), FAMS

Clinical Interests: Acute Leukemia, Myeloproliferative Neoplasm, Haematopoietic Stem Cell & Cellular Therapy

William Hwang Prof

Prof William Hwang

Senior Consultant

​MBBS, M Med(Int Med), FRCP(London), FAMS

Clinical Interests: Haematopoietic Stem Cell & Cellular Therapy

Francesca Lorraine Lim Dr

Dr Francesca Lorraine Lim

Senior Consultant

MBBS, BSc, MMed(Int Med), MRCP(UK)

Clinical Interests: Haematopoietic Stem Cell & Cellular Therapy

Ong Chin-Ann Johnny Assoc Prof

Assoc Prof Ong Chin-Ann Johnny

Senior Consultant

MBBS (S'pore), MRCS (Ed), M Med (Surgery), FRCS (Ed), PhD (Cambridge)

Clinical Interests: Peritoneal-based Malignancies, Sarcoma, Skin & Melanoma, Colorectal, Gastrointestinal, Gastrointestinal Oncology, General Surgery, Gynae-Oncology, Lymphoma (DMO, DRO), Melanoma, Pelvic & Peritoneal, Sarcoma/Skin, Supportive & Palliative Care, Upper Gastrointestinal

Nurul Aidah Dr

Dr Nurul Aidah

Consultant

MBChB (Hons), MRCP(UK), FRCPath(Haematology)

Clinical Interests: Acute Leukemia

Melinda Tan Dr

Dr Melinda Tan

Consultant

​​MD, MMed(Int Med), MRCP(UK)

Clinical Interests: Lymphoma, Myeloma, Laboratory Haematology

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