Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Bautista
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Updated on: October 12, 2024
About Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma
Lymphoma refers to any cancer that affects lymphocytes, the cells within the lymph system. Lymphocytes are carried through the lymph and travel in and out of the central nervous system. There are various types of lymphoma cells that may require different kinds of targeted therapy. Primary central nervous system lymphoma refers to a type of cancer that affects lymph tissue in the brain or spinal cord. This form of cancer can start anywhere in the central nervous system, including the layer forming the outer cover of the brain known as the meninges. Primary CNS lymphoma may also begin in the eyes due to their proximity to the brain. This is known as an ocular lymphoma.
Primary CNS lymphoma is an incredibly rare form of cancer with only about 1,500 new patients in the United States diagnosed with this disease per year. While primary central nervous system lymphoma can affect people of any age, it is more common in cancer patients around the age of 60 and older.
Differentiating CNS Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Primary CNS Lymphoma (PCNSL) refers to a rare form of cancer that affects the lymphoma cells within the central nervous system (CNS), including the brain, spinal cord, or eyes (ocular lymphoma). It primarily occurs in the lymph tissue of the CNS, with about 1,500 cases diagnosed annually in the U.S. Unlike other lymphomas, CNS lymphoma originates in the brain or spinal cord without spreading from other parts of the body. Patients, often those who are around 60 years old or immunocompromised, experience symptoms such as seizures, headaches, and cognitive changes.
On the other hand, Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) is a broader category of lymphoma that can affect lymph nodes throughout the body. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is divided into different subtypes, such as large B-cell lymphoma and T-cell lymphomas, which vary in terms of aggressiveness and treatment.
While primary CNS lymphoma is confined to the brain or spinal cord, NHL can affect other organs, including the bone marrow and peripheral lymph nodes.
Causes and Risk Factors
Cancer is caused by a genetic mutation that contributes to the unregulated and abnormal growth of cells. The cells grow out of control, resulting in the formation of tissue masses known as tumors. They can appear across the body in lymph tissue, skin cells, and other organs. The treatment option will depend on the type of cancer. These can eventually spread to other parts of the body in a process known as metastasis, resulting in more complex treatment options. The exact cause of this genetic mutation is not known. With primary CNS lymphoma, lymphocytes become malignant and form lymphoma within the central nervous system.
There are various factors that may increase your risk of primary CNS lymphoma. The most significant risk factor is any disease or condition that contributes to a suppressed immune system, including HIV/AIDS or a recent organ transplant. A family history of primary CNS lymphoma may also contribute to an increased risk.
Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging
Some of the most common signs and symptoms of primary central nervous system lymphoma include:
- Seizures
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sudden weakness in the arms and legs
- Frequent headaches
- Confusion
- Double vision
- Hearing loss
However, these symptoms can be caused by other conditions and may not be indicative of lymphatic cancer. The only way to know for sure that you have primary CNS lymphoma is to get diagnosed by a professional. Diagnosing primary CNS lymphoma starts with a basic physical exam, which may proceed to a neurological exam to test brain, spinal cord, and general nerve function. The doctor may also request an MRI or other imaging tests to determine the formation of a tumor or mass in the patient. Your doctor may also take a biopsy of the tumor, which involves taking a tissue sample for testing to determine the presence of cancer cells.
Once your cancer has been diagnosed, your doctor will proceed to the staging phase. Staging involves determining the severity of the cancer, including if it has metastasized. This allows the doctor to plan appropriate cancer treatment options. There is currently no standard staging system for primary CNS lymphoma.
About Alternative/Natural Treatment for Primary CNS Lymphoma
The treatment plan for primary central nervous system lymphoma usually involves radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and steroid therapy. However, these can come with unwanted side effects and weaken your immune system. For example, chemotherapy drugs and radiation have been known to cause significant weight loss in cancer patients, leaving them weak as they approach the next stage of their treatment plan. This will weaken the immune system. Alternative and holistic treatments for primary central nervous system lymphoma can help to support your healing without the negative side effects.
Immunity Therapy Center offers a wide range of alternative treatments and targeted therapy options that are tailored to your specific health needs. Our team works directly with you to learn more about you and foster a positive relationship to support your ongoing wellness and healing during your CNS lymphoma treatment. In addition to a unique treatment plan, you may also be eligible to try out one of our clinical trials to target your cancer. To learn more about lymphoma natural treatment and receive your custom cancer treatment plan, contact us today.
Sources:
- https://www.cancer.gov/types/lymphoma/patient/primary-cns-lymphoma-treatment-pdq
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5516483/
At Immunity Therapy Center, our goal is to provide objective, updated, and research-based information on all health-related topics. This article is based on scientific research and/or other scientific articles. All information has been fact-checked and reviewed by Dr. Carlos Bautista, a Board Certified Medical Doctor at Immunity Therapy Center. All information published on the site must undergo an extensive review process to ensure accuracy. This article contains trusted sources with all references hyperlinked for the reader's visibility.
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FAQ's
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Diseases and Treatments
Many patients come to us after going through several rounds of chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and other conventional cancer treatments. Our alternative cancer therapy programs are often more effective and have fewer side effects for our patients than those treatments.
Many of our alternative therapies are designed to boost your immune system so it is better able to recognize, fight, and kill cancer cells without the need of chemotherapy and radiation.
Learn more about our alternative cancer therapies.
We offer the following alternative therapies for naturally treating cancer and other diseases:
- Whole Body Hyperthermia
- Localized Hyperthermia
- Sonodynamic Therapy
- Laser Cancer Therapy
- Insulin Potentiation Therapy (IPT)
- Rife Therapy
- Intravenous Solutions (IV Cancer Therapy)
- Enzymatic Cancer Therapy
- Oxygen Cancer Therapy
- Vitamin and Mineral Supplements
- Laetrile Therapy (Vitamin B17)
- Specific Transfer Factor Vaccine Against Cancer
- Regenerative Cell Cancer Therapy (Peptide Treatment)
- Intraperitoneal Perfusion Hyperthermia
- Viral Anticancer Vaccine
We emphasize immunotherapy cancer therapy, which includes different therapies designed to boost and strengthen your immune system so it can recognize, fight, and kill cancer cells on its own. Immunity Therapy Center is unique because we are able to offer both alternative and conventional treatments in customized, individualized programs.
Learn more about our alternative cancer therapies.
Most treatment programs are completed in three weeks. Depending on the stage and condition of your disease, you may require a treatment program of six weeks or more.
Learn more about our treatment process.
Dr. Bautista will evaluate you once your program is complete and recommend follow-up care. Depending on your situation, this may include alternative therapies, medications, and natural supplements you can take at home, or returning to our center in three to six months for further treatment.
Learn more about our alternative cancer treatment process.
Our Mexico-based Center and Team
We are in Tijuana, a major metropolitan city in Baja California, Mexico, right across the border from San Diego, California. Learn more about our location and our facility.
Dr. Bautista received formal medical training from Baja California State University in Mexico. He also holds a Masters in Nutrition from the same university. He has worked as a Director for alternative medicine hospitals. Early in his career, Dr. Bautista became interested in alternative cancer therapy and treatments and has studied alternative treatments extensively around the world.
Learn more about Dr. Bautista.
Patient Expectations and Experiences
Our alternative, natural treatment programs are completely customized and different for each person. Dr. Bautista personally evaluates each patient to design a holistic, alternative therapy program based on specific needs. He meets with every patient, every day, to monitor and evaluate his or her treatment and progress. This allows him to make immediate adjustments to treatments as needed.
Our entire team strives to make your treatment program a positive experience.
Learn more about our treatment process and listen to some of our patients’ experiences at Immunity Therapy Center.
We treat a wide range of patients with a variety of cancer types from stage 1 to stage 4, as well as patients with different autoimmune diseases, chronic degenerative diseases, and infectious diseases. All these factors, as well as previous treatments and medical history, impact individual success and survival rates.
Dr. Bautista will discuss your condition and chance of success during your initial consultation. Many of our patients do go into remission and see enhanced quality of life following treatment.
Learn more about survival and success rates.
We highly encourage bringing a friend or family member. Having strong support is an important factor in your treatment success.
Dr. Bautista and our nutritionist will discuss your diet with you during your cancer treatment. Your specific dietary needs may vary, but we encourage you to eat a balanced, organic diet as much as possible.
We have an onsite chef that prepares organic, healthy meals at our center.
Costs and Travel Arrangements
A typical three-week treatment program costs $18,995USD, and includes all therapies, diagnostics, and a healthy, organic, breakfast and lunch (+2 juices/smoothies) Monday – Saturday. Room and other board, travel costs, surgeries, and blood transfusions are not included. Some very specific therapies may not be included. Depending on your stage and condition, you may need six weeks of treatment or more.
There are options to help you cover the cost of your alternative cancer treatment at Immunity Therapy Center. Visit our Payment & Financing page to learn more.
Unfortunately, most major health insurance providers do not cover alternative treatments, but there are other options to help you cover the cost of your treatment. Visit our Payment & Financing page to learn more.
We accept major credit cards (some fees may apply), personal and cashier’s checks, wire transfers, and cash. You can also easily PAY ONLINE.
Airfare is not included in the program cost; however, transfers to and from the airport (Tijuana or San Diego) and transportation between our center and your hotel are included.
You may fly into Tijuana, Mexico or San Diego, California. Wewill make arrangements to meet and pick you up at either airport. We are only 25 minutes from the San Diego International Airport. You may also drive to the center. When you schedule your treatment, we will provide detailed driving directions.
Learn more about making travel arrangements to our facility in Tijuana, Mexico.
If you are undergoing outpatient treatment, you will need to stay in a local hotel or other lodging option during your treatment. We are located near several quality hotels in Tijuana, and have arranged special rates for our patients.
Learn more about recommended hotels and accommodations on our Travel Information page.
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