What does oligodendroglioma mean?

Oligodendroglioma is a primary central nervous system (CNS) tumor. This means it begins in the brain or spinal cord. To get an accurate diagnosis, a piece of tumor tissue will be removed during surgery, if possible. A neuropathologist should then review the tumor tissue.

Are oligodendrogliomas slow growing?

Around 3% of all brain tumors are oligodendrogliomas. The tumors can be fast or slow growing. They are more commonly diagnosed in adults, though young children can also be affected. In rare cases, the tumors can spread through the central nervous system via the fluid around your brain and spinal cord.

How can you tell the difference between oligodendroglioma and astrocytoma?

Peritumoral vasogenic edema is minimal in grade 2 tumors. DWI can be used to help differentiate oligodendrogliomas (generally lower grade) from astrocytomas (generally higher grade); astrocytomas have higher ADC values probably because of their lower cellularity and greater hyaluronan proportion 5.

Is oligodendroglioma genetic?

The etiology is not known but no hereditary forms of oligodendroglioma have been reported. However, specific genetic characteristics, such as loss of chromosomes 1p and 19q, are observed.

How do you get oligodendroglioma?

Oligodendroglioma is a type of tumor called a glioma, named for the type of cell –glial cells– from which it develops. Doctors suspect that in some cases, a chromosome abnormality may be the cause. Missing chromosomes (parts of your genes) can cause cells to grow into a tumor.

How does oligodendroglioma affect the body?

Oligodendroglioma can occur at any age, but most often affects adults. Signs and symptoms can include seizures and headaches. Weakness or disability can occur in the part of the body that’s controlled by the nerve cells affected by the tumor.

Can an oligodendroglioma be benign?

Oligodendrogliomas can be malignant (cancer) or benign (not cancer). Some of these tumors grow quickly, but many are slower.

Is there a cure for oligodendroglioma?

Oligodendroglioma treatment usually involves surgery to remove the tumor. Additional treatments may be necessary if the tumor is aggressive or is more likely to recur.

Do Oligodendrogliomas enhance?

In contrast to other low-grade gliomas, oligodendroglioma may show enhancement after contrast administration. Anaplastic tumours do more commonly show contrast enhancement, as well as necrosis, haemorrhage and peritumoural oedema.

Is oligodendroglioma a rare disease?

According to CBTRUS, the incidence of oligodendrogliomas, including anaplastic oligodendrogliomas, is approximately 0.3 per 100,000 persons. Depending on the study, these tumors account for 4% to 15% of intracranial gliomas. Based on this data, it appears that these are rare tumors.

Can oligodendroglioma be benign?

When does oligodendroglioma occur in an adult?

Oligodendroglioma forms from oligodendrocytes — cells in the brain and spinal cord that produce a substance that protects nerve cells. Oligodendroglioma can occur at any age, but most often affects adults.

What kind of brain tumor is an oligodendroglioma?

Oligodendrogliomas are brain tumors arising from oligodendrocytes, a type of cell that makes up the supportive (glial) tissue of the brain. They can be low-grade (grade II) or high-grade (grade III, also called anaplastic).

How are oligodendrogliomas classified in the CNS?

Primary CNS tumors are graded based on the tumor location, tumor type, extent of tumor spread, genetic findings, the patient’s age, and tumor remaining after surgery, if surgery is possible. Oligodendrogliomas are grouped in two grades based on their characteristics. Grade II oligodendrogliomas are low grade tumors.

What to do with a recurrent oligodendroglioma tumor?

Biopsy is typically performed on tumors that are not accessible to confirm the diagnosis and determine the grade of tumor. Recurrent low-grade oligodendrogliomas can be treated with surgery, radiation therapy (if not given initially), and chemotherapy.