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Malignant lymphomas of the nervous system
Acta Neuropathologica. Supplementum
|January 1, 1975
Summary
Malignant lymphomas represent 3% of central nervous system tumors, with some originating in the brain and others spreading from systemic disease. These lymphomas can manifest as distinct masses or diffuse infiltrates, impacting various brain regions and the spinal cord.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Malignant lymphomas can affect the central nervous system (CNS), presenting diagnostic challenges due to varied appearances.
- Understanding the incidence, patterns of involvement, and histological types of CNS lymphomas is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the incidence, histological subtypes, and patterns of CNS involvement by malignant lymphomas.
- To differentiate primary CNS lymphomas from secondary involvement in systemic disease.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 7,000 CNS tumor cases, identifying 208 with malignant lymphoma.
- Histopathological classification of lymphoma subtypes including Hodgkin's disease, lymphosarcomas, reticulosarcomas, and plasmacytomas.
- Examination of 57 additional cases with spinal cord involvement.
Main Results:
- Malignant lymphomas accounted for approximately 3% of CNS tumors studied.
- Tumors were either primary in the brain (less than half) or part of a generalized process.
- Involvement patterns included localized masses mimicking gliomas or diffuse infiltrates, with a predilection for the septum pellucidum.
- Spinal cord involvement was consistently secondary to primary lymphomas elsewhere.
- Peripheral nerve involvement led to demyelination and axonal damage as part of generalized lymphomatosis.
Conclusions:
- Malignant lymphomas are an uncommon but significant group of CNS tumors.
- CNS lymphomas exhibit diverse presentations, requiring careful pathological evaluation.
- Spinal cord and peripheral nerve involvement are typically manifestations of systemic lymphoma.