Cerebral lymphoma

• What is Cerebral Lymphoma
• Statistics on Cerebral Lymphoma
• Risk Factors for Cerebral Lymphoma
• Progression of Cerebral Lymphoma
• Symptoms of Cerebral Lymphoma
• Clinical Examination of Cerebral Lymphoma
• How is Cerebral Lymphoma Diagnosed?
• Prognosis of Cerebral Lymphoma
• How is Cerebral Lymphoma Treated?
• Cerebral Lymphoma References

What is Cerebral Lymphoma

Cerebral lymphomas involve the central nervous system (CNS). They may be primary (found only within the CNS) or secondary (spread from other sources in the body).
The lymphatic system is part of the body’s immune system, which help fight infection. Lymphoma is the name given to a group of cancers that involve the lymphatic system, and results from the abnormal growth of cells that are normally involved in immune processes.

Statistics on Cerebral Lymphoma

Primary cerebral lymphoma is uncommon and is thought to comprise 2% of all intracranial neoplasms; however, incidence is higher amongst HIV positive patients and other immunocompromised patients. Patients of any age may be affected, but there is a peak around middle-age. AIDS patients tend to develop the cancer in early adulthood.

Risk Factors for Cerebral Lymphoma

Risk of developing cerebral lymphoma is increased in a number of groups:
 

• HIV positive patients.
• Transplant patients.
• Chemotherapy patients.
• Patients born with a condition that makes the immune system less effective.

 

Progression of Cerebral Lymphoma

80% of cerebral lymphomas are primary (found only within the CNS), and the remainder are secondary (spread from other cancer sites). The cancer may consist of a single growth, or as multiple growths (more commonly in patients with lower immunity such as in AIDS).

How is Cerebral Lymphoma Diagnosed?

An MRI scan is the investigation of choice for cerebral lymphomas. A procedure where some fluid is taken out of the spine and examined under a microscope may be necessary.

Prognosis of Cerebral Lymphoma

Prognosis of cerebral lymphoma is poor, as recurrence is common. Without treatment, the average survival period is 1-3 months. With therapy, non-AIDS patients have a better outlook, with an average survival period of 18 months.

How is Cerebral Lymphoma Treated?

With cerebral lymphoma a multi-disciplinary approach is taken, with input from many areas of specialist care.
Treatment of CNS lymphoma generally consists of a combination of chemotherapy, corticosteroids and radiotherapy, which may bring about rapid regression of tumours.

Cerebral Lymphoma References

[1] Khoo V, Wilson P, Sexton M. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-related primary cerebral lymphoma: Response to irradiation. Australasian Radiology, May 2000, vol. 44, no. 2, pp. 178-184(7).
[2] Tierney L, McPhee S. Current medical diagnosis and treatment (40th ed.). McGraw-Hill, 2001, New York.
[3] The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy: Section 11. Hematology And Oncology.
[available online: http://www.merck.com/]