Is lymphoma hereditary?

Research conducted as of 2014 does not show a hereditary link between parents with lymphoma and their children, according to the American Cancer Society. However, some families do see multiple people afflicted, and researchers are looking for genes that may predispose someone to lymphoma, reports Everyday Health.

Direct causes of lymphoma are still largely unknown as of 2014, though it has been tied to certain risk factors, reports the American Cancer Society. Immune system deficiencies seem to contribute to lymphoma. Thus, people who inherit immune deficiencies are at greater risk, as are those who have certain chronic infections that cause the immune system to rapidly reproduce cells.