Brain Lymphoma

Brain Lymphoma

Brain lymphoma is a type of brain tumour that affects the white blood cells originating in the brain, and is more common in the age group 45 to 70 years old. The exact cause of this brain tumour is unknown. However, certain factors, such as a weakened immune system due to HIV or organ transplantation, may increase the risk of developing lymphoma.

Symptoms include speech and vision changes, seizures, fever, headache, confusion, loss of coordination, changes in personality, insensitivity to hot, cold and pain, weakness in hands and unexplained weight loss.

Lymphoma can be diagnosed with imaging tests such as CT or MRI scans of the head, biopsy of the brain and lumbar puncture (removal a sample of cerebrospinal fluid or fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord for examination). Treatment involves administration of medications such as corticosteroids to improve symptoms and control swelling, and chemotherapy, followed by stem cell transplant or radiation therapy.