primary cerebral lymphoma
Last reviewed 01/2018
Cerebral lymphoma is particularly common in immunosuppressed patients. They may occur at any hemispheric site, be single or multifocal, discrete or diffuse. They may grow as rapidly as astrocytomas. Histologically, they derive from primitive reticulum cells growing around and extending outwards from blood vessels.
Presentation is variable due to the multiplicity of sites that may be involved. Seizures, focal and generalised, and focal neurological signs are common. The history from initial signs to presentation is usually less than 3 months.
CT reveals either a poorly-enhancing low density region or, less frequently, a strongly enhancing hyperdense lesion. Periventricular sites are common.
The diagnosis may be confirmed by biopsy. Radiotherapy may produce rapid results but survival is about 1 year.
brain tumours (urgent referral guidance for suspected cancer)