Chapter 18 - Primary lymphoma of the brain

Abstract

Primary lymphomas of the brain are of generally unknown causes, but people with weakened immune systems are of higher risk for developing them. These lymphomas may be linked to the Epstein−Barr virus (EBV), especially in people with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Primary brain lymphomas are more common in middle-aged to elderly adults, but overall, they are still rare. General signs and symptoms include changes in speech or vision, headaches, nausea, vomiting, difficulty with body movements, seizures, and hemiparesis. Without treatment, primary cerebral lymphomas can be fatal within a few months, but with proper and early diagnosis and treatment, many of these lymphomas offer good survival rates.