Central Nervous System Lymphoma Health Article

Definition

Central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma is a malignant growth, or neoplasm, that originates in the white blood cells of the lymphatic fluid in the brain and spinal cord.

Description

CNS lymphoma affects the brain and the spinal cord, the two components of the CNS. The brain and spinal cord work together to control, monitor, and interpret all the physical and mental processes of the body. They make possible the activities a person takes for granted, such as walking, talking, thinking and remembering. A malignancy, or neoplasm, in the brain or spinal cord interferes with the normal functions of the body.

An uncontrolled growth of cells called lymphocytes causes lymphoma. Lymphocytes are the white blood cells in the lymphatic system. Under normal conditions they help the body resist invasion by foreign substances and organisms. In other words, they assist with immune response or defense.

When the uncontrolled growth of lymphocytes originates in the brain or spinal cord, it is called primary CNS lymphoma, or simply, CNS lymphoma. The specific place of origin of CNS lymphoma is probably in cells known as B cells. Other kinds of lymphoma begin elsewhere in the lymphatic system. They may also eventually affect the brain and spinal cord, but they are not called CNS lymphoma.

In most cases, CNS lymphoma does not produce a defined and specific site of growth, or a tumor. Generally, the cancer cells spread throughout the brain and spinal cord. The spread gives way to lesions, which are places where tissue breaks down.

Demographics

Although the number of cases is on the increase, CNS lymphoma is rare. Between 1 and 2% of all uncontrolled growths in the brain result from CNS lymphoma. The most common age of diagnosis in the general population is between 52 and 55 years. However, in patients that have experienced immune system problems, age at diagnosis is much younger, at about 34 years.

Events and conditions that affect the immune system put a person at greater risk for CNS lymphoma. For example, someone who has had an organ transplant is more vulnerable to the disease. Part of the reason is that transplant patients are given drugs to suppress, or reduce, the action of the immune system so their bodies will accept an organ from a donor. Individuals with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) are also at higher risk for CNS lymphoma.