Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is not a type of cancer and does not develop into cancer. RA is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and inflammation. It occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, including the synovial membrane that lines the joints.
While RA is not cancerous, people with RA may have a slightly increased risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as lymphoma. However, this risk is still considered low, and the exact cause of the increased risk is not fully understood. It is important for people with RA to have regular check-ups with their healthcare provider and discuss any concerns about cancer risk.
