CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (CNS) LYMPHOMA

 

Introduction
A uncommon kind of cancer that affects the brain and spinal cord is called central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma. It is a particular kind of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a disease that develops in the lymphatic system.

CNS lymphoma

Headaches, fuzziness, memory loss, seizures, and paralysis or numbness in the limbs are just a few of the symptoms that can be brought on by CNS lymphoma, an extremely aggressive malignancy. CNS lymphoma can be challenging to detect because these symptoms are frequently non-specific and might be brought on by other illnesses.

Risk Factors

CNS lymphoma has no known cause, however there are several risk factors that might make it more likely that you'll get the disease. These include immune system weakness, such as in HIV/AIDS patients or persons who have had organ transplants and are receiving immunosuppressive drugs. The majority of instances affect adults over 60, and other risk factors include age and a history of lymphoma or leukaemia.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of CNS lymphoma requires a combination of imaging tests, including computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, as well as a biopsy of the afflicted tissue. A lumbar puncture may also be done in specific circumstances to obtain cerebrospinal fluid for testing.

Treatment

Chemotherapy and radiation treatment are frequently used in conjunction with each other to treat CNS lymphoma. In some circumstances, surgery may also be used to get rid of the tumour as much as feasible. The magnitude and location of the tumour, the patient's age and general health, and the choice of therapy are all factors.

Prognosis

The patient's age, general health, the cancer's stage, and the response to treatment are all important considerations for determining the prognosis for CNS lymphoma. In general, individuals who are younger and/or have smaller tumours that have not migrated past the brain or spinal cord likely to have better results.

Prevention

Although CNS lymphoma cannot be prevented, having a strong immune system may help lower the chance of getting this malignancy. This includes maintaining a healthy weight, taking regular exercise, quitting smoking, drinking in moderation, and getting adequate sleep.