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Is Spinal Fluid Involvement Normal In Non-hodgkin's Lymphoma?
Question: I am writing my memoir which includes the fact that my husband died at 41 years old, in 1991, of Non-Hodgkins lymphoma. He had it in his spinal fluid as well. Is it (was it?) rare to have the spinal fluid involvement with Non-Hodgkins lymphoma?
I meant to clarify that the cancer my late husband had was T cell immunoblastic non-Hodgkins lymphoma.
I also wanted to know if the following information is correct. If it is I was hoping you could clarify what it means.
“The spinal fluid is a unique part of the human body. It’s hard to get at. It protects itself. We don’t know that what we insert into the spine (chemo) actually makes it to the brain and visa versa"
I meant to clarify that the cancer my late husband had was T cell immunoblastic non-Hodgkins lymphoma.
I also wanted to know if the following information is correct. If it is I was hoping you could clarify what it means.
“The spinal fluid is a unique part of the human body. It’s hard to get at. It protects itself. We don’t know that what we insert into the spine (chemo) actually makes it to the brain and visa versa"
Brief Answer:
Spinal fluid well protected by vertebrae & skull
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Jyothi BL and I will be answering your query.
Based on query, my opinion is as follows:
The spinal fluid is a unique part of the human body ---- The spinal fluid is very protective liquid, which protects the brain and the spinal cord. The brain and spinal cord controls the whole body and spinal fluid protects it
Its hard to get at ---- It is covered by vertebrae from all sides and at the brain level by the skull. Any approach is usually between the vertebrae. Common location you can approach is L3-L4 junction. So, Spinal fluid is well protected to protect the brain and spinal cord.
We don’t know that what we insert into the spine (chemo) actually makes it to the brain and visa versa - --- Treatment involves giving chemotherapeutic agents. The brain is completely inaccessible if chemotherapeutic agents is given through blood. Best way to deliver is through spinal fluid. However, as compared to other organs, brain or spinal cords cannot be biopsied for confirmation.
So, we are not sure, whether it is working or not. So, it is not possible to confirm receipt of chemotherapy into brain.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Jyothi BL
Spinal fluid well protected by vertebrae & skull
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Jyothi BL and I will be answering your query.
Based on query, my opinion is as follows:
The spinal fluid is a unique part of the human body ---- The spinal fluid is very protective liquid, which protects the brain and the spinal cord. The brain and spinal cord controls the whole body and spinal fluid protects it
Its hard to get at ---- It is covered by vertebrae from all sides and at the brain level by the skull. Any approach is usually between the vertebrae. Common location you can approach is L3-L4 junction. So, Spinal fluid is well protected to protect the brain and spinal cord.
We don’t know that what we insert into the spine (chemo) actually makes it to the brain and visa versa - --- Treatment involves giving chemotherapeutic agents. The brain is completely inaccessible if chemotherapeutic agents is given through blood. Best way to deliver is through spinal fluid. However, as compared to other organs, brain or spinal cords cannot be biopsied for confirmation.
So, we are not sure, whether it is working or not. So, it is not possible to confirm receipt of chemotherapy into brain.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Jyothi BL
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Brief Answer:
No, it is not rare.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking again.
Immunoblastic non hodgkins lymphoma is an aggressive type of lymphoma and is known to involve the brain in 1% of the cases. CNS relapse after successful treatment is in the range of 2-27%.
It is not rare. 1991, it would have been more late diagnosis, compared to present better modalities of investigation.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
If you do not have any further queries, do close the discussion and rate the answer.
Write well and have a healthy life.
Dr. Jyothi BL
No, it is not rare.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking again.
Immunoblastic non hodgkins lymphoma is an aggressive type of lymphoma and is known to involve the brain in 1% of the cases. CNS relapse after successful treatment is in the range of 2-27%.
It is not rare. 1991, it would have been more late diagnosis, compared to present better modalities of investigation.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
If you do not have any further queries, do close the discussion and rate the answer.
Write well and have a healthy life.
Dr. Jyothi BL
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
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