title: [Primary lymphoma of the central nervous system: 20 years' experience in a referral hospital].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Primary central nervous system lymphomas (PCNSL) are rare neoplasms. AIM. To study the clinical aspects and the immuno-phenotype of all cases of PCNSL in a 20 years lapse in a referral hospital in Northeastern Mexico.
  
  
  METHODS
  From January 1986 to December 2005 all PCNSL histologically confirmed were studied.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The primary lymphomas were 1% of malignant central nervous system neoplasms. 21 cases were studied (ages from 9-70 years) with male predominance (2:1). 24% patients had immuno-suppression. The more frequent clinical data were: papilledema (71%), headache (62%), paresis (48%) and seizures (33%). 33% of patients died during the first six months after diagnosis. The T lymphomas were 19% of cases and corresponded to small cell type.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  PCNSL are still a diagnostic challenge. Multicenter studies are required in order to determine the best treatment protocol.
authors.affiliation: Hospital de Especialidades N25 (UMAE) Centro Medico del Noreste. Instituto Mexicano del Seguro, Monterrey, Mexico. acald911@hotmail.com
authors.forename: A L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Calderón-Garcidueñas
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pacheco-Calleros
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Castelán-Maldonado
authors.forename: F C
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Nocedal-Rustrián
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016543:Central Nervous System Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006761:Hospitals; D006801:Humans; D016130:Immunophenotyping; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D008800:Mexico; D008875:Middle Aged; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D013997:Time Factors