Among the most common forms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, primary CNS lymphoma is a rare type of cancer where malignant cells develop in the lymph tissue in the brain and spinal cord. Although it is rare for the disease to produce multiple tumours, about 60 percent of cases are characterized by a single tumour. This cancer may also arise from the outer covering of the brain or the eye, which are both common sites of origin.
The location of the tumor can also influence the symptoms of the cancer. Patients with a spinal cord lymphoma may experience leg pain, back pain, and incontinence. In a proportion of cases, the patient may also experience urinary incontinence. However, if the cancer is confined to the brain, no symptoms may be apparent until it has spread to other parts of the body.
As the location of the tumor determines the symptoms, the treatment for primary CNS lymphoma is individualized for each patient. Patients who have disease in the cerebrum are usually diagnosed with a type of chemotherapy known as “broad spectrum” therapy. In this treatment method, the lymphoma has spread outside of the cerebrum, which is the most visible part of the brain. The patient must be younger than 60 years old and able to function independently. It is also important to note that a person diagnosed with this disease should not have any other diseases that weaken a patient’s immune system.
Aside from tumor location, other symptoms of primary CNS lymphoma include asymmetric and focal neurological deficits. They include impaired movement, inability to stand or sit, and impaired cognitive functions. In rare cases, patients may also experience personality changes, incontinence, and bowel dysfunction. As the tumor grows deeper, pressure from the cancer can affect the brain. Resulting increased intracranial pressure causes headaches, vomiting, and vision problems.
The most common primary CNS lymphoma is DLBCL (diffuse large B-cell lymphoma), which occurs when the immune system produces abnormal B cells, or T cells. The B-cells are responsible for fighting infections, but the lymphomas in the brain and spinal cord are rare. The treatment for such cancers is very limited, as it can lead to side effects.
The symptoms of primary CNS lymphoma can be varied and vary depending on the anatomical location of the tumor. The disease can cause focal neurological deficits, inability to move, impaired cognition, and personality changes. Additionally, it can result in bowel dysfunction, incontinence, and vision changes. Aside from the symptoms, patients may also experience severe fatigue, nausea, and fever, which are common side effects of primary CNS lymphoma.
Symptoms of primary CNS lymphoma are different depending on the location of the tumor. If it involves the eye, a patient may experience blurred vision or floaters. Floaters are not a symptom of lymphoma, though they may be a symptom. A person suffering from this cancer should seek help from family and friends, as well as online support groups.
