Lymphatic lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic tissues with no bone marrow involvement, according to KidsHealth. Symptoms include enlarged lymph nodes and otherwise inexplicable coughs, fevers and weight loss. Regardless of the nature of the symptoms, patients initially may be more focused on what caused the disease of acute lymphatic lymphoma. The causes may be genetic or environmentally triggered.
Epstein-Barr Virus
According to KidsHealth, one potential cause for lymphatic lymphoma is the Epstein-Barr Virus. This virus can break down into smaller genetic bits, and some of these pieces have been found with cancerous cell samples from lymphatic lymphoma patients. The University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center notes that the type of acute lymphoma developed in response to this virus varies by region, with patients in Africa most likely to develop Burkitt's lymphoma.
Chemical Exposure
Exposure to various types of chemicals has been linked to the development of acute lymphatic lymphoma, according to LymphomaInfo.net. Benzene is a prime agent present in solvents and industrial cleaners, and it has been linked to lymphomas. Herbicides and pesticides are also credited with contributing to cell mutations, notes LymphomaInfo.net and the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Immunosuppressive Therapies
According to the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, individuals who have undergone immunosuppressive therapies, such as radiation or chemotherapy, are at a higher risk of developing acute lymphatic lymphoma. KidsHealth also agrees that children who have received these types of treatments have a greater chance of developing lymphomas later in life.
Inherited Immune Defects
According to KidsHealth, individuals who are born with inherited immune defects are more likely to develop lymphomas later in life. The severity of the lymphatic lymphoma developed depends on the defect inherited and the potential mutation in growing blood cells. Individuals who know they have a family history may be able to detect acute lymphatic lymphoma early through regular screenings.
HIV and AIDS
The University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center notes that individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) have a higher rate of suffering from acute lymphatic lymphoma. KidsHealth corroborates this, while LymphomaInfo.net goes on to note that b-cell lymphoma is the most common acute lymphatic lymphoma found in HIV and AIDS patients.
