Pathogenesis (disease development)
The pathogenesis of Hodgkin’s disease involves malignant degeneration in the lymphatic system.
A connection with EBV infection (EBV: Epstein-Barr virus) is discussed in the development of Hodgkin’s lymhpoma: The Epstein-Barr virus is detected in the tower cell clones in approximately 50% of cases. However, this is very unlikely as the sole cause, since 95% of the population is infected with EBV by the age of 30. However, evidence for a pathogenetic significance of the virus is provided by differences in epidemiology, genetics, biology, and clinic in EBV-positive versus -negative Hodgkin patients. For example, in older Hodgkin’s disease patients (>70 years of age), positive EBV status results in a poorer prognosis.
Etiology (Causes)
Precise etiologic factors are not known. However, the following factors may have an influence on development:
Biographical causes
- Genetic burden – 1st-degree relatives of a Hodgkin’s disease patient are 3 to 7 times more likely to develop the disease
- Heritability (inheritability) is reported to be 25.2% for nodular sclerosing type (NSHL) and 21.9% for mixed type MCHL
Disease-related causes
- HIV infection
- EBV infection
- Immunosuppressive therapy
Other causes
- Wood preservative
- Hair dye
