Primary lymphoma of the brain is cancer of the white blood cells that starts in the brain. The cause of primary brain lymphoma is not known. However, people with a weakened immune system are at high risk for this disease. It is more common in people ages 45 to 70.
Primary lymphoma of the brain may be linked to Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), especially in people with HIV/AIDS. EBV is the virus that causes mononucleosis.