Patients with primary CNS lymphoma may experience a variety of symptoms, such as memory problems or confusion. Fortunately, doctors can identify the condition early and offer effective treatment. However, the disease can also be difficult to treat, and patients must be proactive and seek help when the symptoms appear. There are various treatments for primary CNS lymphoma, including surgical treatments. A patient’s doctors will work with them to find the right one for them.
Depending on where the cancer has spread, patients may have symptoms of primary CNS lymphoma. Typically, the main symptom is an eye disorder resembling uveitis. Although the condition does not cause fever or sweating, the patient may experience unexplained weight loss and may even experience seizures. For these patients, seeking a diagnosis is essential to ensuring the best possible care for your condition.
Primary CNS lymphoma can have a range of other symptoms. Common signs include headache, weakness, numbness, vision loss, and seizures. In rare cases, spinal cord involvement can result in neurological deficits, including impaired gait and intractable vomiting. Despite these symptoms, a patient with primary CNS lymphoma may also have peripheral and cranial nerve involvement. The result is nerve pain and impairments specific to the affected cranial nerve.
Secondary CNS lymphoma is more common than primary CNS lymphoma. It starts elsewhere in the body and then moves to the CNS. In addition to spreading to the CNS, secondary CNS lymphoma usually originates in the brain. It can grow in the spinal cord and brain, and it is more common in men than women. This condition is extremely rare and should only be diagnosed after symptoms are spotted.
MRI and CT scans are the most reliable ways to diagnose primary CNS lymphoma. Often, the condition is easily detected with a CT or MRI scan. During treatment, patients are often required to undergo a small biopsy from the tumor to confirm whether the condition is indeed lymphoma. Most of these tumors will have elevated disease markers. MRI tests will reveal the location of the lymphoma.
While the disease is rare in primary CNS lymphoma, it can have severe side effects. It can affect memory and vision and can cause severe pain and weakness. A patient with these symptoms should seek medical attention as soon as possible. In addition to these symptoms, patients with this condition may also experience a sluggish gait and difficulty with swallowing. Among the most common tests for primary CNS lymphoma include MRI, lumbar puncture, and bone marrow tests.
A doctor will perform MRI and CT scans to diagnose primary CNS lymphoma. A small biopsy is necessary to confirm if it is lymphoma. This is done with a stereotactic biopsy. A spinal tap and lumbar puncture are also used to check for the tumor. There are many possible symptoms associated with primary CNS lymphoma. You should seek medical attention as soon as you suspect it.
