Primary cerebral lymphoma: the "ghost tumor". Case report.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Oncology
• Radiology

Background:

• Primary cerebral lymphoma is a rare central nervous system malignancy.
• Its diagnosis can be challenging due to nonspecific imaging findings.
• Biological characteristics of these tumors may affect diagnostic approaches.

Observation:

• A lesion suggestive of primary cerebral lymphoma was identified via computerized tomography (CT).
• The lesion was not detected during subsequent surgical exploration.
• A prolonged course of corticosteroid therapy was administered between CT diagnosis and surgery.

Findings:

• The cerebral lesion resolved following corticosteroid treatment.
• This resolution impacted the ability to confirm the diagnosis surgically.
• The case underscores the potential for treatment response to alter diagnostic findings.

Implications:

• Corticosteroid therapy can induce temporary or complete remission in primary cerebral lymphoma.
• This necessitates careful consideration of prior treatments when interpreting neuroimaging and surgical findings.
• Diagnostic and treatment strategies for primary CNS lymphoma may need to account for treatment-induced changes.