Overview

Central Nervous System Lymphoma

Central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma is a form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer that starts in white blood cells. White blood cells help protect your body from infections and diseases.

There are two types of CNS lymphoma:

  • Primary CNS lymphoma starts in parts of your nervous system such as your:
    • Eyes
    • Brain
    • Spine
    • Cerebrospinal fluid (the liquid around the brain and spinal cord).
  • Secondary CNS lymphoma starts in other parts of the body. It later spreads to the nervous system.

    • CNS lymphoma is rare. About 1,500 people in the United States get diagnosed with primary CNS lymphoma every year.