Lymphoma is a type of cancer that starts in the lymphatic system, which helps your body fight germs and diseases. It happens when healthy cells in this system change and start growing in an uncontrolled way.
The lymphatic system includes lymph nodes that are found all over the body, including the neck, underarms, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and groin. Other parts of this system include the spleen, thymus, tonsils, and bone marrow. Lymphoma can affect any of these areas as well as other organs.
There are many kinds of lymphoma, but the main types are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The treatment you get depends on the type you have. Many people respond well to treatment, and some even make a full recovery.
With all this in mind, you might wonder if lymphoma is genetic or hereditary. Let’s take a closer look at what causes it and whether it can run in families.
Understanding Genetics vs. Heredity
- Genetics refers to anything related to genes—the DNA instructions that control how our bodies grow and function. When there’s a mutation or change in a gene, it is considered a genetic change. These changes can affect how the body works, and some may lead to diseases.
- Hereditary means a trait or condition is passed down from parents to children through their genes. In other words, if a gene mutation is inherited from one or both parents, it’s considered hereditary.
Not All Genetic Changes Are Inherited
While all hereditary conditions are genetic, not all genetic changes are hereditary. Some mutations happen spontaneously during a person’s life—due to environmental factors (like radiation or smoking) or random errors in cell division. These are called acquired or somatic mutations, and they cannot be passed on to children.
Is Lymphoma Hereditary?
Lymphoma does not usually run in families in the way some other diseases do. While family history can increase a person’s risk of developing lymphoma, most lymphomas are not directly inherited.
Being genetically predisposed means a person may carry certain gene mutations that make them more likely to develop lymphoma. However, simply having these mutations is not enough to cause the disease. Other factors—like environmental exposures or immune system issues—often play a role.
In rare cases, familial clustering can occur, meaning lymphoma may appear more than once in the same family. This happens when inherited DNA mutations increase risk, especially in types like Hodgkin lymphoma. If you or a close relative has a history of inherited conditions or cancers, your doctor might suggest genetic testing to check for a higher risk of lymphoma.
In summary, while a family history of lymphoma may raise your risk, most cases are not inherited, and having a genetic predisposition does not guarantee that lymphoma will develop.
Genetic Mutations and Lymphoma
Genetic mutations are changes in the DNA of cells, and they can play a major role in the development of lymphoma. These mutations often happen spontaneously, meaning they occur during a person’s lifetime rather than being passed down from parents.
These spontaneous mutations can result from random errors when cells divide or due to external factors like infections, radiation, or exposure to harmful chemicals. They are called acquired mutations and usually affect only the individual—not their children.
These gene mutations often impact how cells grow, divide, or die. When these processes go wrong, it can lead to the uncontrolled growth of abnormal lymphocytes, which is what happens in lymphoma.
It’s important to note that while some gene mutations may be inherited, most of the mutations seen in lymphoma are acquired, not inherited. This means they develop after birth and are not passed from parent to child.
Why Do Some Genetic Mutations Increase the Risk of Lymphoma?
Scientists are still working to understand why certain people with genetic changes develop lymphoma while others don’t. Just because someone has a genetic risk factor doesn’t mean they will definitely get lymphoma. A risk factor only increases the chances—it’s not the same as the cause.
How the Immune System and Inflammation Play a Role
Lymphoma can sometimes be linked to problems in the immune system. People with autoimmune diseases (where the body attacks its own healthy cells) have a higher risk of lymphoma. This includes conditions like:
- Sjögren’s disease – raises the risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) – linked to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)
- Systemic lupus erythematosus – can increase lymphoma risk up to seven times
These diseases often cause chronic inflammation, which can damage healthy tissue. Over time, this damage may help cancer cells grow.
Some medicines used to treat autoimmune diseases might also slightly raise the risk of lymphoma, but researchers are still studying this.
How Specific Genes Are Involved
Some genes help control how our cells grow, divide, and repair damage. If these genes change or mutate, it can upset that balance and raise the risk of cancer—including lymphoma.
You may have heard of BRCA1 and BRCA2—genes that are linked to breast and ovarian cancer. These genes usually help stop cancer from forming. But when they’re mutated, the risk of several cancers, including lymphoma, increases.
- People with BRCA1 mutations are up to six times more likely to develop lymphoma
- A BRCA2 mutation can almost triple the risk of lymphoma
- BRCA2 mutations may also raise the risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in children and teens
Lymphoma Types/Subtypes:
- Primary Mediastinal B-Cell Lymphoma
Primary Mediastinal B-Cell Lymphoma is a subtype of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) that occurs in the chest area. Ongoing diffuse large B-cell lymphoma clinical trials are focused on exploring innovative therapies and improving long-term survival. - Follicular Lymphoma
Follicular Lymphoma is a slow-growing (indolent) B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Follicular lymphoma clinical trials are testing potential new treatment options to improve outcomes for patients with this type. - T-Cell Lymphoma
T-Cell Lymphoma is a group of aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphomas that arise from T-cells. - CNS Lymphoma
CNS lymphoma is a type of lymphoma that occurs in the brain, spinal cord, or eyes. It is often a subtype of DLBCL. - Marginal Zone Lymphoma
Marginal Zone Lymphoma is a slow-growing B-cell lymphoma, often affecting the spleen, lymph nodes, or mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT). - Burkitt Lymphoma
Burkitt Lymphoma is a fast-growing B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma that is more common in children and young adults. - Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL)
Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) is a rare type of T-cell lymphoma that can affect lymph nodes and other organs. - MALT Lymphoma (Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma)
MALT Lymphoma is a subtype of marginal zone lymphoma that often begins in the stomach or other mucosal areas. - Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (SLL)
Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma is a slow-growing B-cell lymphoma that is closely related to chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). - Mantle Cell Lymphoma
Mantle Cell Lymphoma is a rare and aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It often requires advanced treatment approaches. Mantle Cell Lymphoma clinical trials are investigating potential new treatment options to improve outcomes.
Related Conditions
- Bulky Lymphoma
Bulky lymphoma is not a specific type, but a term used when lymphoma tumors are large (e.g., “bulky disease”). - Lymphoproliferative Disorder
Lymphoproliferative disorder is a broader category that includes conditions where lymphocytes are produced in excessive numbers. Some are precursors to or subtypes of lymphoma. - Richter’s Syndrome
Richter’s syndrome is a transformation of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) into an aggressive lymphoma, usually DLBCL.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, while lymphoma may involve genetic mutations, most cases are not directly inherited. Factors like immune system problems, chronic inflammation, and environmental exposures often contribute to its development. Understanding your risk can guide early detection and treatment. Furthermore, explore clinical research studies in Nebraska to access potential new treatment options and support ongoing lymphoma research.
