Primary cerebral lymphoma in Zimbabwe: a report of three patients.

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is steadily increasing. Immunosuppressed individuals are at particular risk. In AIDS patients a clinical diagnosis of PCNSL is made in 0.5 to 8.4%, and a post mortem diagnosis in up to 11% of cases. In spite of the extensive HIV epidemic in parts of Africa, a literature search revealed only one African report of this condition. The reasons for this apparent infrequency are not clear. Possibilities include under diagnosis or early demise of patients due to other AIDS related illnesses of earlier onset. Three patients with primary cerebral lymphoma from Zimbabwe are presented. All were young, with tumours of high grade showing typical features.