Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Bautista
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Updated on: October 12, 2024
About Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma
Lymphoma refers to any cancer that affects lymphocytes, the cells within the lymph system. Lymphocytes are carried through the lymph and travel in and out of the central nervous system. There are various types of lymphoma cells that may require different kinds of targeted therapy. Primary central nervous system lymphoma refers to a type of cancer that affects lymph tissue in the brain or spinal cord. This form of cancer can start anywhere in the central nervous system, including the layer forming the outer cover of the brain known as the meninges. Primary CNS lymphoma may also begin in the eyes due to their proximity to the brain. This is known as an ocular lymphoma.
Primary CNS lymphoma is an incredibly rare form of cancer with only about 1,500 new patients in the United States diagnosed with this disease per year. While primary central nervous system lymphoma can affect people of any age, it is more common in cancer patients around the age of 60 and older.
Differentiating CNS Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Primary CNS Lymphoma (PCNSL) refers to a rare form of cancer that affects the lymphoma cells within the central nervous system (CNS), including the brain, spinal cord, or eyes (ocular lymphoma). It primarily occurs in the lymph tissue of the CNS, with about 1,500 cases diagnosed annually in the U.S. Unlike other lymphomas, CNS lymphoma originates in the brain or spinal cord without spreading from other parts of the body. Patients, often those who are around 60 years old or immunocompromised, experience symptoms such as seizures, headaches, and cognitive changes.
On the other hand, Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) is a broader category of lymphoma that can affect lymph nodes throughout the body. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is divided into different subtypes, such as large B-cell lymphoma and T-cell lymphomas, which vary in terms of aggressiveness and treatment.
While primary CNS lymphoma is confined to the brain or spinal cord, NHL can affect other organs, including the bone marrow and peripheral lymph nodes.
Causes and Risk Factors
Cancer is caused by a genetic mutation that contributes to the unregulated and abnormal growth of cells. The cells grow out of control, resulting in the formation of tissue masses known as tumors. They can appear across the body in lymph tissue, skin cells, and other organs. The treatment option will depend on the type of cancer. These can eventually spread to other parts of the body in a process known as metastasis, resulting in more complex treatment options. The exact cause of this genetic mutation is not known. With primary CNS lymphoma, lymphocytes become malignant and form lymphoma within the central nervous system.
There are various factors that may increase your risk of primary CNS lymphoma. The most significant risk factor is any disease or condition that contributes to a suppressed immune system, including HIV/AIDS or a recent organ transplant. A family history of primary CNS lymphoma may also contribute to an increased risk.
Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging
Some of the most common signs and symptoms of primary central nervous system lymphoma include:
- Seizures
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sudden weakness in the arms and legs
- Frequent headaches
- Confusion
- Double vision
- Hearing loss
However, these symptoms can be caused by other conditions and may not be indicative of lymphatic cancer. The only way to know for sure that you have primary CNS lymphoma is to get diagnosed by a professional. Diagnosing primary CNS lymphoma starts with a basic physical exam, which may proceed to a neurological exam to test brain, spinal cord, and general nerve function. The doctor may also request an MRI or other imaging tests to determine the formation of a tumor or mass in the patient. Your doctor may also take a biopsy of the tumor, which involves taking a tissue sample for testing to determine the presence of cancer cells.
Once your cancer has been diagnosed, your doctor will proceed to the staging phase. Staging involves determining the severity of the cancer, including if it has metastasized. This allows the doctor to plan appropriate cancer treatment options. There is currently no standard staging system for primary CNS lymphoma.
About Alternative/Natural Treatment for Primary CNS Lymphoma
The treatment plan for primary central nervous system lymphoma usually involves radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and steroid therapy. However, these can come with unwanted side effects and weaken your immune system. For example, chemotherapy drugs and radiation have been known to cause significant weight loss in cancer patients, leaving them weak as they approach the next stage of their treatment plan. This will weaken the immune system. Alternative and holistic treatments for primary central nervous system lymphoma can help to support your healing without the negative side effects.
Immunity Therapy Center offers a wide range of alternative treatments and targeted therapy options that are tailored to your specific health needs. Our team works directly with you to learn more about you and foster a positive relationship to support your ongoing wellness and healing during your CNS lymphoma treatment. In addition to a unique treatment plan, you may also be eligible to try out one of our clinical trials to target your cancer. To learn more about lymphoma natural treatment and receive your custom cancer treatment plan, contact us today.
Sources:
- https://www.cancer.gov/types/lymphoma/patient/primary-cns-lymphoma-treatment-pdq
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5516483/
At Immunity Therapy Center, our goal is to provide objective, updated, and research-based information on all health-related topics. This article is based on scientific research and/or other scientific articles. All information has been fact-checked and reviewed by Dr. Carlos Bautista, a Board Certified Medical Doctor at Immunity Therapy Center. All information published on the site must undergo an extensive review process to ensure accuracy. This article contains trusted sources with all references hyperlinked for the reader's visibility.
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