CNS Lymphoma
Primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma is a disease in which malignant cells form in the lymph tissue of the brain, spinal cord, and/or the layers that form the outer covering of the brain known as the meninges. More generally, lymphoma is a disease in which cancer develops in the lymph system, which is part of the immune system, and is made up of the lymph, lymph vessels, lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, tonsils, and bone marrow.
In the case of primary CNS lymphoma, it is thought that some of the lymphocytes that are carried in the lymph and travel in and out of the CNS become malignant and cause lymphoma to form.
Having a weakened immune system may increase the risk of developing primary CNS lymphoma, which puts patients who have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), Epstein-Barr virus, or other disorders of the immune system at greater risk.
Approximately 1,700 new cases are diagnosed in the United States each year, according to estimates.
Primary CNS Lymphoma Treatment (PDQ®)Source: National Cancer Institute
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