Symptoms

Central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma causes different symptoms depending on where it is in your body. Symptoms for primary and secondary CNS lymphoma are the same.

Symptoms of CNS Lymphoma in the Brain

These symptoms include:

  • Behavior or other cognitive changes
  • Headache, confusion, nausea and vomiting (these are signs that pressure is increasing in your skull)
  • Seizures
  • Weakness
  • Sensory changes, such as numbness, tingling, and pain

    • Symptoms of Lymphoma in the Eyes

    The most common symptom is spots in your vision called floaters, which worsen over time. Other symptoms include flashing lights or a worsening blurry haze affecting the vision; these are often mistaken for other eye conditions.

    Symptoms of CNS Lymphoma in the Spine

    CNS lymphoma in the spine or cerebrospinal fluid (the liquid around the brain and spinal cord) is less common than CNS lymphoma in the brain.

    When it does occur, symptoms include:

    • Sensory changes, such as numbness, tingling, and pain
    • Weakness in your arms and legs
    • Difficulty controlling your bladder or bowel functions

    Talk to your care team about any symptoms you are concerned about.

    Symptoms for CNS lymphoma that has come back (recurring) may be the same or different, depending on where the cancer is.