What Causes Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma?
What Causes Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma?
Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) are rare and complex cancers. In most cases, the exact cause is
unknown, and no single factor can be pinpointed. However, researchers have identified several risk
factors that may increase the likelihood of developing PTCL.
Peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) can affect people in different ways. Some individuals may feel very unwell, while others may have no noticeable symptoms. However, there are certain signs and symptoms to be aware of:
Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) are rare and complex cancers. In most cases, the exact cause
is unknown, and no single factor can be pinpointed. However, researchers have identified several
risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing PTCL.
It’s important to understand that having a risk factor does not mean someone will definitely develop
lymphoma. Likewise, many people diagnosed with PTCL have no known risk factors at all.
Some General Risk Factors for PTCL
Age
PTCL is more common in older
adults, particularly those over 60.
Sex
These lymphomas occur more frequently in males than in females.
Ethnicity & Geography
Certain PTCL subtypes are more common in specific parts of the world, such as East Asia, Central America, and South America.
Weakened Immune System
People with HIV, those who have received organ transplants, or individuals on long-term immunosuppressive therapy may have higher risk.
Viral Infections
Some viruses are associated with specific PTCL subtypes, including Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1)
Some General Risk Factors
for PTCL
Age
PTCL is more common in older adults,
particularly those over 60.
Sex
These lymphomas occur more frequently in
males than in females.
Ethnicity & Geography
Certain PTCL subtypes are more common in
specific parts of the world, such as East
Asia, Central America, and South America.
Weakened Immune System
People with HIV, those who have received organ transplants, or individuals on long-term
immunosuppressive therapy may have higher
risk.
Viral Infections:
Some viruses are associated with specific
PTCL subtypes, including Epstein-Barr virus
(EBV) and human T-cell leukemia virus type
1 (HTLV-1).
Some Subtype-Specific Risk Factors:
Extranodal NK/T-Cell Lymphoma (ENKTL): Strongly linked to EBV, especially in East Asian and
Latin American populations.Hepatosplenic T-Cell Lymphoma (HSTCL): Often affects individuals with prolonged immune
suppression (e.g., post-transplant or autoimmune therapy).Breast Implant–Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL): Associated with
textured breast implants.Adult T-Cell Leukemia/Lymphoma (ATLL): Caused by HTLV-1 infection, most commonly seen in
Japan, the Caribbean, and parts of Africa.
Is PTCL Inherited?
In most cases, PTCL is not thought to be hereditary. While there are extremely rare reports of
familial cases, they are the exception, not the rule.
Some General Risk Factors for PTCL
Age
PTCL is more common in older adults, particularly those over 60.
Sex
These lymphomas occur more frequently in males than in females.
Ethnicity & Geography
Certain PTCL subtypes are more common in specific parts of the world, such as East
Asia, Central America, and South America.
Weakened Immune System
People with HIV, those who have received organ transplants, or individuals on long-term
immunosuppressive therapy may have higher risk.
Viral Infections:
Some viruses are associated with specific PTCL subtypes, including Epstein-Barr virus
(EBV) and human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1).
Some Subtype-Specific Risk Factors:
Extranodal NK/T-Cell Lymphoma (ENKTL): Strongly linked to EBV, especially in East Asian and Latin
American populations.
Hepatosplenic T-Cell Lymphoma (HSTCL): Often affects individuals with prolonged immune
suppression (e.g., post-transplant or autoimmune therapy).Breast Implant–Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL): Associated with textured
breast implants.Adult T-Cell Leukemia/Lymphoma (ATLL): Caused by HTLV-1 infection, most commonly seen in
Japan, the Caribbean, and parts of Africa.
Extranodal NK/T-Cell Lymphoma (ENKTL): Strongly linked to EBV, especially in East Asian and
Latin American populations.Hepatosplenic T-Cell Lymphoma (HSTCL): Often affects individuals with prolonged immune
suppression (e.g., post-transplant or autoimmune therapy).Breast Implant–Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL): Associated with
textured breast implants.Adult T-Cell Leukemia/Lymphoma (ATLL): Caused by HTLV-1 infection, most commonly seen in
Japan, the Caribbean, and parts of Africa.
Is PTCL Inherited?
In most cases, PTCL is not thought to be hereditary. While there are extremely rare reports of familial cases, they are the exception, not the rule.
In most cases, PTCL is not thought to be hereditary. While there are extremely rare reports of
familial cases, they are the exception, not the rule.
Related Reference
Related Reference
Histopathologic Challenges and WHO-HAEM5 Updates in Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma Diagnosis
Murga-Zamalloa C, Inamdar K. Frontiers | Classification and challenges in the histopathological diagnosis of peripheral T-cell lymphomas, emphasis on the WHO-HAEM5 updates. Frontiers in Oncology. 2022/12/20;12.
Murga-Zamalloa C, Inamdar K. Frontiers | Classification and challenges in the histopathological diagnosis of peripheral
T-cell lymphomas, emphasis on the
WHO-HAEM5 updates. Frontiers in
Oncology. 2022/12/20;12.