Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma must be considered in the differential diagnosis of any immunocompromised patient with a solid brain lesion. In such patients, diagnosis can be made via a careful review of important signs, symptoms, and classic radiologic findings. While there is no single physical exam finding classic for lymphoma, the clinician must carefully evaluate patients for the presence or absence of findings that may suggest an alternative diagnosis. Such findings include the stigmata of endocarditis, symptoms suggestive of pneumonia, or additional nonCNS mass lesions. Additionally, several imaging modalities including magnetic resonance imaging, diffusionweighted magnetic resonance imaging, susceptibility weighted imaging, and dynamic contrastenhanced imaging can be useful in identifying this condition. While steroids can be helpful in reducing the disease burden and decreasing edema, they may also hinder diagnosis. Surgery may be indicated for either diagnostic or decompressive purposes; however, the mainstay of treatment is chemotherapeutic and immunotherapeutic agents with radiation reserved for refractory cases.