CNS lymphoma can be primary or secondary. In both cases, doctors usually treat the disorder with radiation. Chemotherapy may also be used and, if lymphoma affects the meninges, doctors often deliver chemotherapy directly into the cerebrospinal fluid. Although most lymphomas respond well to radiation therapy they often recur. These cells travel with the fluid and can form colonies or small tumors in many places, including the roots of nerves, the surface of the brain, the brain stem and the spinal cord.
Treatment usually involves radiation, which can sometimes slow growth of the cells.
Neurofibromatosis Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disorder that can cause tumors in various parts of the nervous system. Treatment usually consists of surgery to remove tumors that are causing symptoms. This condition can easily be confused with a brain tumor because its symptoms closely mimic those of brain tumors, possibly because of abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid placing pressure on the brain. Pseudotumor cerebri is diagnosed by ruling out all other possible causes for symptoms and confirming that the cerebrospinal fluid pressure is increased. Doctors may treat this condition by lumbar puncture to release cerebrospinal fluid, special drugs to correct fluid levels, shunts to drain fluid or, in severe cases, surgery to relieve pressure on the brain.