DLBCL develops when B cells (a type of white blood cell) mutate and grow out of control, crowding out healthy cells. These mutations are usually "acquired" — meaning they develop over a person's lifetime rather than being inherited.
There are two main ways genetic changes can trigger DLBCL:
- Chromosomal translocation — Show Full Answer
DLBCL develops when B cells (a type of white blood cell) mutate and grow out of control, crowding out healthy cells. These mutations are usually "acquired" — meaning they develop over a person's lifetime rather than being inherited.
There are two main ways genetic changes can trigger DLBCL:
- Chromosomal translocation — part of a chromosome breaks off and attaches to another, affecting key genes like BCL6, BCL2, and MYC
- Abnormal somatic hypermutation — changes in how B cells produce antibodies, making it harder for the body to remove faulty cells Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of these mutations occurring:
- Age — most people are diagnosed over 60
- Family history — having a first-degree relative with lymphoma raises risk by about 1.8 times
- Infections — such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), hepatitis B or C, or HIV
- Autoimmune conditions — an overactive immune system produces more cells, increasing mutation risk
- Chemical exposure — benzene, pesticides, or prior chemotherapy/radiation
- Organ transplants — risk is more than 12 times higher than the general public
- Smoking and obesity — both linked to increased lymphoma risk
It's worth discussing any of these risk factors with your doctor to better understand your personal situation.
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