1. Lymphoma Attacks the Lymph System
Lymphoma occurs when cancer cells form in your body's lymph system, which is part of your immune system. It is made up of your lymph nodes, lymph vessels, bone marrow, tonsils, spleen and thymus. Cells called lymphocytes travel around your central nervous system (CNS) and spread the cancer cells. Primary CNS lymphoma starts in either the brain or lining around the brain or the spinal cord or eye. There may be a tumor in the central nervous system that causes the central nervous system lymphoma.
2. Where It Comes From
The cause is unknown but researchers are still looking into the possible causes of central nervous system lymphoma. Some researches state that a weakened immune system may cause the disease, such as HIV or a liver transplant.
3. Diagnosis of CNS Lymphoma
One of the disease's main symptoms is the increased pressure from within the skull. This is known as raised intracranial pressure and causes headaches, vomiting and changes in eyesight. The pressure is caused by fluid unable to get to the spaces it normally occupies. The pressure may also be caused by the swelling of a tumor. Your doctor will conduct neurological exams to determine if you have this pressure in your brain. A CT scan or MRI may be ordered to view the brain and spinal cord from inside your body to determine if there is CNS lymphoma.
4. Make CNS Lymphoma Retreat
There are three main types of treatment: radiation, chemotherapy and steroid therapy. Radiation therapy kills cancerous cells using high-energy x-rays. External radiation therapy is done by using a machine to send radiation toward the cancer in a pinpointed spot on your body. Internal radiation therapy places a radioactive substance sealed in needles, seeds, wires or catheters directly into the cancer or near the cancer in your body. Your stage of cancer determines what treatment your doctor recommends.
Doctors use chemotherapy to stop the growth of cancer cells with medicine. The medicine either kills the cells or stops them from dividing. Doctors can inject chemotherapy drugs into your vein or muscle or you can take them orally. They travel through your bloodstream and reach the cancer cells. Your doctor may prescribe one drug, or they may prescribe many kinds of drugs to treat your brain cancer. Some doctors use steroid therapy by giving an injection of a synthetic form of your own steroids. These have anti-cancer agents that fight the CNS lymphoma.
5. Follow-Up Treatments Required
More follow-up treatments are needed if the recurrence of the central nervous system lymphoma or if the first dose of chemotherapy was unsuccessful. Your doctor may prescribe other medication for treatment.
