Primary Lymphoma of the BrainSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Primary Lymphoma of the Brain
View Main Condition: Brain Tumor
Primary lymphoma of the brain is cancer of white blood cells that starts in the brain.
Brain lymphoma; Cerebral lymphoma; Primary lymphoma of the central nervous system; PCNSL; Lymphoma - B-cell lymphoma, brain
The cause of primary brain lymphoma is not known.
People with a weakened immune system are at high risk for primary lymphoma of the brain. Common causes of a weakened immune system include HIV/AIDS and having had an organ transplant (especially heart transplant).
Primary lymphoma of the brain may be linked to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), especially in people with HIV/AIDS. EBV is the virus that causes mononucleosis.
Primary brain lymphoma is more common in people ages 45 to 70. The rate of primary brain lymphoma is rising. Almost 1,500 new people are diagnosed with primary brain lymphoma every year in the United States.
Symptoms of primary brain lymphoma may include any of the following:
- Changes in speech or vision
- Confusion or hallucinations
- Seizures
- Headaches, nausea, or vomiting
- Leaning to one side when walking
- Weakness in hands or loss of coordination
- Numbness to hot, cold, and pain
- Personality changes
- Weight loss
The main treatment is with chemotherapy and certain monoclonal antibodies, which are a type of lab-made protein to treat many diseases, including cancer.
Younger people may receive high-dose chemotherapy, possibly followed by an autologous stem cell transplant.
Radiation therapy of the whole brain may be done after chemotherapy, but is often avoided due to potential neurologic complications.
Boosting the immune system, such as in those with HIV/AIDS or a history of organ transplant, may also be tried.
Rockefeller Outpatient Pavilion
Christian Grommes is an Oncologist practicing medicine in New York, New York. Dr. Grommes is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Primary Lymphoma of the Brain. He is also highly rated in 25 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Primary Lymphoma of the Brain, Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, Brain Tumor, Vitrectomy, and Bone Marrow Aspiration. Dr. Grommes is currently accepting new patients.
Hematology, Blood & Marrow Transplant, And Cellular Therapy (HBC) Program
James Rubenstein is a Hematologist Oncology provider practicing medicine in San Francisco, California. Dr. Rubenstein is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Primary Lymphoma of the Brain. He is also highly rated in 7 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Primary Lymphoma of the Brain, Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL), Bone Marrow Transplant, and Vitrectomy. Dr. Rubenstein is board certified in American Board Of Internal Med/Medical Oncology, Medical Oncology. Dr. Rubenstein is currently accepting new patients.
City Of Hope - Duarte Main Campus
Alex Herrera is an Oncologist practicing medicine in Duarte, CA. He has been practicing medicine for over 17 years. Dr. Herrera is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Primary Lymphoma of the Brain. He is also highly rated in 25 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Hodgkin Lymphoma, Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma, Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL), Bone Marrow Aspiration, and Colonoscopy. Dr. Herrera is board certified in American Board Of Internal Medicine, Hematology and American Board Of Internal Medicine, Oncology.
Without treatment, people with primary brain lymphoma survive for less than 6 months. When treated with chemotherapy, half of them will be in remission 10 years after being diagnosed. Survival may improve with autologous stem cell transplant.
Possible complications include:
- Chemotherapy side effects, including low blood counts
- Radiation side effects, including confusion, headaches, nervous system (neurologic) problems, and tissue death
- Return (recurrence) of the lymphoma
Published Date: January 29, 2026
Published By: Warren Brenner, MD, Oncologist, Lynn Cancer Institute, Boca Raton, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Dorsey JF, Salinas RD, Dang M, et al. Cancer of the central nervous system. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Kastan MB, Doroshow JH, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 63.
National Cancer Institute website. Primary central nervous system lymphoma treatment (PDQ) - health professional version. www.cancer.gov/types/lymphoma/hp/primary-cns-lymphoma-treatment-pdq. Updated May 13, 2025. Accessed April 9, 2026.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network website. NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology (NCCN guidelines): central nervous system cancers. Version 3.2026. www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/cns.pdf. Updated June 10, 2026. Accessed July 21, 2026.
Roque A, Hochberg FH, Baehring JM. Primary nervous system tumors in adults. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 74.