Primary CNS lymphoma in immunocompetent: a review of literature and our experience from Kashmir.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To study the clinicopathological aspects of primary CNS lymphoma in immunocompetent patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixteen patients with primary CNS lymphoma were analyzed for their clinico-pathological characteristics and followed-up for the treatment and subsequent management in Neurosurgery, and Medical and Radiation Oncology. RESULTS: The fronto-parietal region was the commonest location of CNS lymphoma; four cases of cerebellar lymphoma were seen. Our patients were relatively young with a mean age of 48 years and an age range of 35-60 years. Females outnumbered males with a ratio of 2.71. The commonest presentation was focal neurological-deficits and features of raised intracranial pressure. All the patients histologically had diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Radiologically, most presented as disc-enhancing lesions. Two patients had multiple lesions. Most of the patients (10) died within a mean of 4.4 months (range 2 weeks-16 months). CONCLUSION: Primary CNS lymphoma is seen in immunocompetent patients as well. Relapse is common after treatment and the overall prognosis is unfavorable.