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Primary lymphoma of the brain



Brain
Brain


Primary lymphoma of the brain

Definition:

A brain lymphoma is a type of malignancy (cancer). The term "primary" in this case means the cancer seems to have originated in the brain, not spread from somewhere else in the body.


Alternative Names:
Brain lymphoma; Cerebral lymphoma; Primary lymphoma of the central nervous system; Lymphoma - brain
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:


The cause of primary brain lymphoma is unknown, but it is more common in people between the ages of 45 and 70. Patients who are immunocompromised, such those with HIV or organ transplants, especially heart transplants, are at greater risk for primary lymphoma of the brain. In immunocompromised patients, the lymphoma is linked to Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) infection.

The incidence is rising, but primary brain lymphoma is still relatively rare.




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