Types of brain tumours
Lymphoma of the brain or spinal cord is also known as primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma. Or doctors call it primary cerebral lymphoma.
This is a rare type of lymphoma. Lymphoma is a cancer that starts in the lymphatic system. Primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma is a lymphoma that develops in the brain or the spinal cord.
Lymphoma is cancer that starts in the lymph glands or other organs of the lymphatic system.
The lymphatic system is a system of thin tubes and lymph nodes that run throughout the body. Lymph nodes are bean shaped glands. The thin tubes are called lymph vessels or lymphatic vessels. A fluid called lymph circulates around the body in these vessels and flows through the lymph nodes.
Read more about the lymphatic system
The lymphatic system runs throughout your whole body. So you can get lymphoma just about anywhere including the brain and the spinal cord. Most lymphomas of the brain start in the front part of the brain (the cerebrum). They can also start in the:
spinal cord – lymphoma that starts in the spinal cord is called primary spinal lymphoma
eyes – lymphoma that starts in the eyes is called primary intraocular lymphoma
layers of tissue that surround the brain (leptomeninges) – lymphoma that starts here is called primary leptomeningeal lymphoma
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma develops when the body makes abnormal B cells. These B cells are a type of immune cell that help us to fight infections.
Symptoms of primary CNS lymphoma depend on where the lymphoma started. Symptoms can include:
headaches
blurred vision
changes to your personality
fits (seizures)
difficulty walking and balancing
Lymphoma of the brain or the spinal cord is rare. Around 2 in every 100 brain or spinal cord tumours (2%) are lymphomas.
You have tests to diagnose a lymphoma of the brain or spinal cord. Your doctor checks the size of the tumour and its location. This helps your doctor plan your treatment. The tests you might have include:
MRI scan or CT scan
a biopsy
a test to check for cancer cells in the fluid that surrounds the brain and the spinal cord (a lumbar puncture)
blood tests
We have more information about the tests you might have to diagnose a brain tumour
Treatment for lymphoma of the brain is different from other brain tumours. Surgery isn’t usually a possible treatment. This is because it’s difficult to remove these tumours without causing severe side effects.
You have regular appointments with your doctor or nurse after treatment finishes. Your doctor examines you at each appointment. They ask how you are feeling, whether you have had any symptoms or side effects, and if you are worried about anything. You also have MRI scans on some visits.
How often you have check ups depends on your individual situation.
For a lymphoma of the brain or the spinal cord, you usually have an MRI scan every 3 to 4 months, for up to 2 years.
Read more about follow up appointments after treatment for a brain tumour
Coping with a diagnosis of cancer can be difficult, both practically and emotionally. It can be especially difficult when you have a rare cancer. Being well informed about the type of cancer you have, and its treatment can make it easier to cope.
Find out what you can do, who can help and how to cope with a brain tumour
Doctors are always trying to improve the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumours. As part of your treatment, your doctor might ask you to take part in a clinical trial. This might be to test a new treatment or look at different combinations of existing treatments.
Find out about the latest UK research and how you can take part in a clinical trial
Last reviewed: 16 Mar 2023
Next review due: 16 Mar 2026
Primary brain tumours are tumours that start in the brain. They can start anywhere in the brain and there are many different types of tumour.
You usually start by seeing your GP who might refer you to a specialist. Or you might go to Accident and Emergency (A&E) if you suddenly have severe symptoms.
Chemotherapy uses anti cancer drugs to destroy brain tumour cells. The drugs circulate throughout your body in the bloodstream.
Practical and emotional support is available to help you cope with a brain or spinal cord tumour.
Survival depends on different factors such as the type, position and grade of your brain or spinal cord tumour.
Primary brain tumours are cancers that start in the brain.
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