Lymphoma in the brain | Lymphoma

Lymphoma in the brain

There are lymphomas that occur in the brain. They are called cerebral lymphomas. Compared to other brain tumors, they are very rare and account for only about 2 to 3% of all brain tumors.

They can develop outside the brain or inside the brain and cause various symptoms depending on the location of the tumor in the brain. These include nausea, vomiting, memory disorders, headaches and personality changes. Other consciousness disorders can also occur.

In rare cases, epileptic seizures may occur.Symptoms of paralysis, impaired vision or even balance and dizziness are also possible signs of a tumor in the brain. Cerebral lymphomas are usually non-Hodgkin lymphomas. In diagnostics, imaging procedures such as CT and MRT are the most important.

A biopsy, i.e. a tissue sample can be taken to reliably detect the tumor. The therapy of cerebral lymphoma can either consist of chemotherapy alone or a combined chemo- and radiotherapy. Surgery is not possible because lymphomas in the brain cannot be completely removed.

Lymphoma in the lung

Lymphomas can spread and thus attack organs. This is called “extranodal” infestation. For example, the lungs can be affected by Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

The infestation of the lungs can manifest itself through symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing or haemoptysis. However, these symptoms do not have to occur. Lymphomas are more often discovered during routine examinations or are conspicuous by the so-called B-symptoms, which are characterized by fatigue, fever, unintentional weight loss and night sweats.

Lymphoma in the stomach

A common lymphoma of the stomach is the so-called MALT lymphoma. In this form of lymphoma, the mucous membrane of the stomach is affected. It is usually preceded by type B gastritis and an infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.

In up to 90% of cases, an infection with Helicobacter pylori is detectable. The MALT-lymphoma is mostly symptomatically unremarkable. Apart from unspecific symptoms such as abdominal pain and fatigue, patients usually do not notice much.

In rare cases, hematemesis may occur. In the blood test an anemia is noticeable. In addition, weight loss may occur.

The diagnosis is confirmed by a tissue sample taken from the gastric mucosa by means of esophagogastroduodenoscopy, i.e. endoscopy of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. In the early stages of the disease, healing can already be achieved by antibiotic therapy of the bacterium Helicobater pylori (eradication therapy). If the disease is at an advanced stage, chemotherapy, radiation and surgical procedures can be applied according to the stage of the disease.