[Risk factors for non-Hodgkin's lymphomas].
OBJECTIVE
To divulge the risk factors for non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) in children and adults among pediatricians.


METHODS
We performed a literature review of articles published in the last 25 years through the Medline, IAR Cancer and Cancerlit databases. The search profile was "NHL risk factors". The most interesting papers, as well as the most relevant articles cited and published more than 25 years prior to the search, were selected.


RESULTS
The following risk factors for the development of NHL were reported with greater or lesser evidence: socioeconomic status, family factors, immunodeficiencies, bacterial and viral infections, vaccinations and drugs, radiation,occupational exposure, exposure to animals, diet, and lifestyle.


CONCLUSIONS
The etiology of most NHLs is unknown. The most important risk factors are: a) congenital and acquired immunodeficiency; b) viral (human T-cell leukemia virus type-I, Epstein-Barr virus, AIDS virus), and bacterial (Helicobacter pylori) infections; c) therapy with diphenylhydantoin and antineoplastic drugs, and d) exposure to pesticides and organic solvents.
Ferrís Tortajada
J
J
Unidad de Oncología Pediátrica, Hospital Infantil Universitario La Fe, Valencia, Spain. ferris_jos@gva.es
García Castell
J
J
Berbel Tornero
O
O
Clar Gimeno
S
S
D000818:Animals; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000150:complications; D002648:Child; D004032:Diet; D005192:Family Health; D006801:Humans; D007153:Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes / Q000150:complications; D008228:Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D011788:Quality of Life; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000150:complications