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Conditions associated with a misbehaving immune system more commonly are associated with immune system-related cancers. From the 30,000-foot view, it is not hard to see why. The immune system is critical in detecting and eliminating early cancers.
In Sjogren’s Syndrome (SS) in particular, the condition itself is caused in part by the proliferation of B cells. If a particular B cell (clone) starts multiplying unchecked, it can result in the development of a type of cancer called lymphoma.
Unfortunately, Sjogren’s carries an increased risk for a particular family of lymphomas called non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL). Three types related to SS including mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT), marginal zone B cell lymphoma (MZBCL), and diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). MALT is by far the most common of the three. Thankfully it is the most easily treated.
How does cancer develop?
Lymphomas in Sjogren’s syndrome arise from the chronically inflamed tissues. It is a multi-step process and likely is influenced by some of the genetic factors that made us susceptible to developing SS in the first place.
Over time, B cells that are chronically stimulated can develop mutations. Eventually, these mutations can result in something called clonal expansion. It…
