Lymphatic cancer, or Lymphoma is a type of malignant cancer culpable of afflicting approximately 332,000 Americans each year. Lymphoma is distinguishable by the uncontrolled growth of lymphatic cells known as lymphocytes. A type of Lymphatic cancer is Central Nervous System Lymphoma, or simply CNS lymphoma. CNS lymphoma can be described as a form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which is characterized by the invasion of cancerous lymphocytes into the central nervous system. Once malignant cells invade the central nervous system severe damage can occur. The structures affected by CNS lymphoma are the brain, spinal cord, and the eyes. CNS lymphoma is only one example of how malignant cells in the lymphatic system can lead to other life threatening cancers …show more content…
In order to sustain the body’s function lymphocytes have the ability to travel throughout the entire body, through lymph vessles and the blood stream, allowing cancerous cells various paths into organs to metastasize. The specific type of cell involved in CNS Lymphoma is the B-cell. B-cells are a form of white blood cell responsible for the secretion of antibodies. B-cells develop from hematopoietic stem cells, a cell manufactured in the bone marrow of humans. The central Nervous System is comprised of the brain and spinal cord. The lymphatic system and the organs involved in the system perform multiple functions interrelated to the overall function of the body. It is responsible for the transportation of lymphocytes, and the distribution of fluids and fats. However, a system with vessels and an entire bloodstream used to access all parts of the body is extremely vulnerable to an invasive cancer such as …show more content…
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma can originate in any organ throughout the lymphatic system, such as the liver, Spleen, thymus, and tonsils. Each organ involved in the lymphatic system produces lymphocytes, or white blood cells, which make CNS Lymphomas common among immunodeficient patients, or patients with AIDs and HIV; patients who suffer from autoimmune diseases. These factors greatly influence a patients prognosis as well. Central Nerous system Lymphoma is an aggressive cancer, therefore the prognosis for those afflicted is low. The age, and general health of a patient afflicted with CNS lymphoma affect their ability to fight the cancer. Location and if the patient has AIDs as well, will also determine the prognosis of a patient. As a result, according to cancer.gov, 2 to 3% of people with AIDs have some form of non- Hodgkin related lymphoma. Once malignant cells migrate into the Central nervous system the tissues become inflamed and