Neurological complications of lymphomas

The neurologic complications of the malignant lymphomas are common, serious, and treatable. Some complications, such as dural involvement by MALT tumor and paraneoplastic ataxia of Hodgkin's disease, are unique to these malignancies. Compared to more common cancers the malignant lymphomas appear to affect the central and peripheral nervous systems disproportionately. As such they have the potential to significantly impact patients' quality of life because of effects on special senses, mobility, communication, and cognition. Because of the inextricable intersection with disordered immune system function, an additional challenge for the treating physician is determining whether the neurologic syndrome is due to cancer or to autoimmunity. The interplay between the two contribute to the morbidity and pose challenges to treatment. The potential for improvement validates an intensive review of these complications including new insights into pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment.