Risk Factors
A risk factor is a characteristic, behavior, or condition that raises the possibility of developing a disease. Here are some factors known to increase the risk of developing mantle cell lymphoma:
Age
The risk for developing mantle cell lymphoma increases with age. Mantle cell lymphoma is most common in people over the age of 60.
Gender
Men are at higher risk for mantle cell lymphoma than women, and 80% of persons with the disease are men. The reason for this gender difference is unknown.
Viral Infection
Infection with certain viruses such as Hepatitis-C (HCV) or the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) increase the risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphomas and may increase the risk for developing mantle cell lymphoma.
Occupational Exposure
Long-term exposure to certain chemicals such as pesticides, fertilizers, and solvents may increase the risk for developing lymphoma in general and is more common the United States in farming communities in the Midwest.
