Primary lymphoma of the brain: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

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

T Causes
P The cause of primary brain lymphoma is not known.
P 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).
P 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.
P 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.

T Symptoms
P 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

T Exams and Tests
P 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)

T Treatment
P 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.
P Younger people may receive high-dose chemotherapy, possibly followed by an autologous stem cell transplant.
P Radiation therapy of the whole brain may be done after chemotherapy.
P Boosting the immune system, such as in those with HIV, may also be tried.
P 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

T Outlook (Prognosis)
P 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.

T Possible Complications
P 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

T Alternative Names
P Brain lymphoma; Cerebral lymphoma; Primary lymphoma of the central nervous system; Lymphoma - brain

T Images
- Brain

T References
P 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.
P 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.
P 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.

T Review Date 2/12/2016
P Updated 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.

