The disease can lead to focal neurological deficits, impaired movement, and neurocognitive deficits. It can also cause personality changes and can even cause a person to become unconscious. The main risk factor for primary CNS lymphoma is being under the age of 60. Patients with this disease must also be free of AIDS and other diseases that weaken the immune system.
Although primary CNS lymphoma can affect people of any age, it is most common in people with compromised immune systems. Individuals with HIV and organ transplants are also at higher risk of developing this cancer. The incidence of this condition has increased worldwide in recent years. It accounts for between 2% and 3% of primary brain tumors. Some of the symptoms of primary CNS lymphoma include the following:
Symptoms of primary CNS lymphoma vary. The primary type is usually more aggressive and produces more noticeable symptoms. Affected people may experience pain in their eyeballs, gait imbalance, vertigo, and difficulty with eye movement. However, in less than 20 percent of cases, the cancer has spread to their eyes. The other symptoms of primary CNS lymphoma are very subtle and resemble those of uveitis. The main symptom of primary CNS lymphoma is floating or spherical white spots in the eyes. Aside from these, patients can experience unexplained weight loss, a rash, or unexplained weight loss.
While primary CNS lymphoma symptoms are rare, patients should seek prompt medical care if they suspect CNS lymphoma. These symptoms include headache, weakness, numbness, vision loss, and mental changes. It is important to consult with a doctor to get a full diagnosis. And, remember that although there are treatments for this disease, there are risks of side effects. You should not delay seeking medical treatment until you have received the results of a diagnostic test.
Some of the symptoms of primary CNS lymphoma include vertigo, asymmetry of gait, intractable vomiting, and a high fever. While the symptoms of primary CNS lymphomc are similar to those of primary CNS lymphoma, some patients may also have a symptom specific to their particular tumor. For example, a patient may have a fever or lose weight.
A CT or MRI scan is needed to diagnose the disease. During a CT scan, the surgeon needs to remove a small portion of the tumor. This is done through a stereotactic biopsy. A spinal tap and lumbar puncture are used to obtain cerebrospinal fluid and to test for HIV or hepatitis B and C. The presence of intraocular lymphoma is also a risk factor for recurrent cervical cancer.
The most common primary CNS lymphoma symptoms are fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite. Other symptoms may be related to the location of the cancer, including intractable vomiting. Depending on the location, the symptoms of primary CNS lymphoma can be the same as the symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It is also important to note that the severity and prognosis of the disease are different.
