Central Nervous System Lymphoma
"They represent 4% of intracranial tumors and the average age of presentation is 60 years".
DR. JAIME GÁLLEGO
COORDINATOR. CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM TUMORS AREA
¿Qué es el linfoma del sistema nervioso central?
El linfoma primario del sistema nervioso central es un tipo de tumor poco frecuente. Este tipo de tumor se origina a partir de los linfocitos, unas células de la sangre y del sistema linfático. Por razones todavía desconocidas, su localización queda restringida al cerebro.
El Cancer Center Clínica Universidad de Navarra cuenta con un Área Multidisciplinar de Tumores del Sistema Nervioso Central que pone a su completa disposición. Nos ocupamos del diagnóstico, tratamiento y seguimiento de diversos tumores cerebrales, tanto de los calificados de malignos, como de los benignos.

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Symptoms of central nervous system lymphoma
Loss of strength
Weakness in the limbs, usually on only one side of the body.
Language disorders
Difficulty in speaking or understanding speech.
Vision disorders
Alterations in visual perception, such as blurred vision or partial loss of visual field.
Changes in character
Personality and behavioural changes, with possible alterations in social interaction.
Headache
Persistent, often severe and progressive headache.
Severe vomiting
Vomiting episodes that may be sudden and unrelated to food intake.
Blurred vision
Difficulty in focusing or distorted perception of objects, related to increased intracranial pressure.
Do you have any of these symptoms?
If you suspect that you have any of the above symptoms,
you should consult a medical specialist for a diagnosis.
How is central nervous system lymphoma diagnosed?
For the diagnosis of lymphoma of the cerebral nervous system (CNS), a neuroimaging test (a scan or an MRI with contrast injection) is performed to reveal the existence of a lesion, although it will be necessary to obtain a sample of the tumour to establish the definitive diagnosis.
In addition, a lumbar puncture for cerebrospinal fluid analysis is recommended, as well as an MRI of the spinal cord and an ophthalmological examination to determine the true extent of the brain lymphoma.
In order to rule out "systemic" lymphoma (i.e. lymphoma that has originated elsewhere in the body and subsequently invaded the brain), it is necessary to complete the study with a body scan and/or PET scan, a testicular ultrasound and a bone marrow biopsy.
Treatment of central nervous system lymphoma
Primary brain lymphomas are infiltrating and diffuse tumors. Therefore, surgery is indicated to obtain a sample and confirm the diagnosis (biopsy), but complete resection of the tumor is not necessary since it does not interfere with the prognosis. It is only performed when it is necessary to quickly relieve the symptoms or signs.
The treatment of primary brain lymphomas consists, according to the particular characteristics of each patient, of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Where do we treat it?
IN NAVARRE AND MADRID
Central Nervous System Tumors Area
of the Cancer Center Clínica Universidad de Navarra
In the Central Nervous System Tumors Area we offer maximum safety and efficiency in brain tumor surgery, being the first hospital with a high field magnetic resonance within the operating room.
We have a highly specialized team in the surgery of brain tumors, with more than 15 years of experience.
The individualized treatment of each case by an interdisciplinary team allows us to offer the best alternative to each patient.

Why at the Clinica?
- Integral evaluation of the patient.
- Cutting edge technology.
- Expert professionals who are a national reference.