Cerebral Lymphoma

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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.

Who gets 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.

Predisposing Factors

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

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).

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