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Primary lymphoma of the brain

Brain lymphoma; Cerebral lymphoma; Primary lymphoma of the central nervous system; Lymphoma - brain

 

Primary lymphoma of the brain is cancer of white blood cells that starts in the brain.

Causes

 

The cause of primary brain lymphoma is not known.

People with a weakened immune system are at high risk for primary lymphoma of the brain. Common causes of a weakened immune system include HIV/AIDS and having had an organ transplant (especially heart transplant).

Primary lymphoma of the brain may be linked to Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), especially in people with HIV/AIDS. EBV is the virus that causes mononucleosis .

Primary brain lymphoma is more common in people ages 45 to 70. The rate of primary brain lymphoma is rising. But this cancer is still very rare.

 

Symptoms

 

Symptoms of primary brain lymphoma may include any of the following:

  • Changes in speech or vision
  • Confusion or hallucinations
  • Fever
  • Headaches or seizures
  • Leaning to 1 side when walking
  • Weakness in hands or loss of coordination
  • Numbness to hot, cold, and pain
  • Personality changes
  • Weight loss

 

Exams and Tests

 

The following tests may be done to help diagnose a primary lymphoma of the brain:

  • Biopsy of the brain
  • Head CT scan or MRI
  • Spinal tap (lumbar puncture)

 

Treatment

 

Primary lymphoma of the brain is usually first treated with corticosteroids. These medicines are used to control swelling and improve symptoms. The main treatment is with chemotherapy .

Younger people may receive high-dose chemotherapy, possibly followed by an autologous stem cell transplant .

Radiation therapy of the whole brain may be done after chemotherapy.

Boosting the immune system, such as in those with HIV, may also be tried.

You and your health care provider may need to manage other concerns during your treatment, including:

  • Having chemotherapy at home
  • Managing your pets during chemotherapy
  • Bleeding problems
  • Dry mouth
  • Eating enough calories
  • Safe eating during cancer treatment

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

Without treatment, people with primary brain lymphoma survive for less than 2 months. Those treated with chemotherapy often survive 3 to 4 years or more. This depends on whether the tumor stays in remission. Survival may improve with autologous stem cell transplant.

 

Possible Complications

 

Possible complications include:

  • Chemotherapy side effects, including low blood counts
  • Radiation side effects, including confusion, headaches, nervous system (neurologic) problems, and tissue death
  • Return (recurrence) of the lymphoma

 

 

Open References

References

Baehring JM, Hovhberg FH. Primary nervous system tumors in adults. In: Daroff RB, Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SK, eds. Bradley's Neurology in Clinical Practice . 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 74.

National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology: non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. Version 2.2016. www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/nhl.pdf . Accessed March 17, 2016.

National Cancer Institute. PDQ primary CNS lymphoma treatment. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute. Updated April 2, 2015. cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/primary-CNS-lymphoma/HealthProfessional . Accessed March 17, 2016.

 
  • Brain

    Brain - illustration

    The major areas of the brain have one or more specific functions.

    Brain

    illustration

    • Brain

      Brain - illustration

      The major areas of the brain have one or more specific functions.

      Brain

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

    Talking to your MD

     

      Self Care

       

        Tests for Primary lymphoma of the brain

         
           

          Review Date: 2/12/2016

          Reviewed By: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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