About Central Nervous System Lymphoma
Key Highlights
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Targeted treatment specifically designed to cross the protective blood-brain barrier.Multidisciplinary approach involving neuro-oncologists, radiation oncologists, and neurologists for comprehensive care.Utilizes high-dose chemotherapy protocols, such as methotrexate, which are effective against CNS lymphoma cells.Can incorporate advanced techniques like autologous stem cell transplant for eligible patients to allow for more aggressive therapy.Aims to achieve complete remission and improve survival rates while managing neurological symptoms.
Who is this surgery for?
- Diagnosis of primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL), a lymphoma confined to the brain, eyes, or spinal cord.
- Secondary CNS lymphoma, where systemic lymphoma has spread to the central nervous system.
- Presence of neurological symptoms such as confusion, personality changes, seizures, weakness, or vision problems linked to lymphoma.
- Confirmation of lymphoma cells in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) via lumbar puncture.
- Radiographic evidence (MRI) of brain or spinal cord lesions suggestive of lymphoma, typically confirmed by biopsy.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive neurological examination and review of medical history by the oncologist.
- Diagnostic imaging, primarily MRI of the brain and/or spine with contrast.
- Stereotactic brain biopsy to obtain a definitive tissue diagnosis and guide treatment.
- Lumbar puncture to analyze cerebrospinal fluid for lymphoma cells.
- Baseline tests including complete blood count, kidney function tests (crucial for methotrexate), liver function tests, and HIV testing.
- Consultation with the treatment team to discuss the treatment plan, goals, and potential side effects.
Risks & possible complications
- Chemotherapy side effects: nausea, vomiting, hair loss, low blood cell counts (increasing infection risk), and kidney toxicity.
- Neurotoxicity from treatment, potentially causing confusion, memory issues, or leukoencephalopathy (brain tissue changes).
- Increased risk of infections, especially during periods of low white blood cell count.
- Potential for delayed cognitive decline or neurological deficits, particularly with combined chemotherapy and radiation.
- Complications related to the use of corticosteroids, such as high blood sugar, mood swings, and osteoporosis.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial recovery involves close monitoring in the hospital for side effects, especially after high-dose chemotherapy cycles.
- Regular follow-up MRI scans are essential to assess treatment response and monitor for recurrence.
- Ongoing management of side effects and supportive care, which may include medications, blood transfusions, or growth factors.
- Possible referral to physical, occupational, or speech therapy to address any neurological deficits.
- Long-term follow-up with the oncology team for surveillance, as CNS lymphoma has a risk of recurrence.
- Psychosocial support and counseling are often recommended for patients and caregivers.
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Typical hospital stay: Varies widely per treatment cycle; initial intensive phase may require 5-10 days per hospitalization.
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Expected recovery time: Several weeks to months for full recovery from a treatment cycle; long-term management is ongoing.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering central nervous system lymphoma in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for central nervous system lymphoma in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, Cytecare Hospital, Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform central nervous system lymphoma. MediFyr helps you compare oncologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for central nervous system lymphoma compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 350 Thousand – 1.2 Million | Varies widely per treatment cycle; initial intensive phase may require 5-10 days per hospitalization. | ~ Several weeks to months for full recovery from a treatment cycle; long-term management is ongoing. | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 1.23 Million – 4.2 Million | Varies widely per treatment cycle; initial intensive phase may require 5-10 days per hospitalization. | ~ Several weeks to months for full recovery from a treatment cycle; long-term management is ongoing. | Know More |
Top hospitals for Central Nervous System Lymphoma in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated oncologist teams and experience managing patients undergoing central nervous system lymphoma.
Karan Khan, a 58-year-old retired school...
Karan Khan, a 58-year-old retired school principal from Lahore, Pakistan, had always been the pillar of his family. Over several weeks, he began experiencing debilitating headaches, confusion, and a sudden, uncharacteristic difficulty finding words during conversations with his grandchildren. An MRI scan revealed a suspicious mass in his brain. His oncologist, Dr. Sharma, explained the findings and the need for a stereotactic brain biopsy to confirm a diagnosis of Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma (PCNSL). Karan was terrified; the thought of brain surgery and a potential cancer diagnosis shook his deeply held identity as a protector. The biopsy procedure was daunting, but the medical team was reassuring. The diagnosis of PCNSL was confirmed. This led to a treatment plan of high-dose methotrexate chemotherapy. The recovery from the biopsy was swift, but the chemotherapy journey was arduous, marked by fatigue and nausea. Initially, Karan felt a profound sense of vulnerability and fear for his family's future. However, after his first few rounds of treatment showed a positive response on follow-up scans, his anxiety began to lift. He channeled his energy into his faith and family, finding strength in his role as a grandfather. While cautious, he now feels a guarded hope and is determined to witness more milestones in his family's life.
Oncologists for Central Nervous System Lymphoma
Explore experienced oncologists who regularly perform central nervous system lymphoma and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 10 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 4 Years Experience
- Medical Oncologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 25 Years Experience
- Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 19 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 33 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 27 Years Experience
- Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 30 Years Experience
- Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 12 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 23 Years Experience
- Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 19 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 17 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada