Is oligodendroglioma a brain cancer?
Oligodendrocytes create a substance that protects nerves in the brain and helps them function. Oligodendrogliomas can be malignant (cancer) or benign (not cancer). Some of these tumors grow quickly, but many are slower. They may spread to other parts of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).
How long can you live with oligodendroglioma?
Life expectancy statistics are not predictive as they do not account for individual factors, such as overall health. On average, people with a grade II oligodendroglioma are likely to live about 12 years after diagnosis. People with a grade III oligodendroglioma live an average of 3.5 years after diagnosis.
Can oligodendroglioma grade 2 Be cured?
Oligodendroglioma (grade II): In some cases, an oligodendroglioma can be cured. They are most likely to be diagnosed in adults, although they do occur in young children. Rarely this tumour can spread within the central nervous system, in the fluid that circulates around the brain and spinal cord.
What does oligodendroglioma mean?
(AH-lih-goh-DEN-droh-glee-OH-muh) A rare, slow-growing tumor that begins in oligodendrocytes (cells that cover and protect nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord). Also called oligodendroglial tumor.
Does anyone survive oligodendroglioma?
The relative 5-year survival rate for oligodendroglioma is 74.1% but know that many factors can affect prognosis. This includes the tumor grade and type, traits of the cancer, the person's age and health when diagnosed, and how they respond to treatment.
Is oligodendroglioma a terminal?
As a general rule, people with grade II oligodendrogliomas are likely to live for around 12 years following diagnosis. People with grade III oligodendrogliomas are expected to live an average of 3.5 years. Do talk to your doctors. They will be able to give you a more individualized prognosis for your condition.
Are oligodendrogliomas hereditary?
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.
What is the origin of oligodendroglioma?
Oligodendrogliomas are a type of glioma that are believed to originate from the oligodendrocytes of the brain or from a glial precursor cell. They occur primarily in adults (9.4% of all primary brain and central nervous system tumors) but are also found in children (4% of all primary brain tumors).
Is oligodendroglioma grade 3 curable?
Grade 3 oligodendrogliomas are usually treated with surgery soon after diagnosis. This is usually followed by a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy because oligodendrogliomas are often 'diffuse', which means they're more difficult to remove completely.
What is the rarest brain tumor?
Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumor (ATRT) Diagnosis and Treatment. ATRTs are very rare, fast-growing tumors that often occur in the brain and spread to the spinal cord. They are caused by changes in a gene known as SMRCB1. Learn more about ATRTs.
Where is oligodendroglioma located?
Oligodendroglioma is a tumor that can occur in the brain or spinal cord. 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 are the symptoms of an oligodendroglioma?
Symptoms of oligodendrogliomaHeadaches/seizures.Nausea or vomiting.Weakness or loss of sensation in the arms and/or legs.Speech, vision, or memory problems.Personality changes.
Is oligodendroglioma grade 3 curable?
Grade 3 oligodendrogliomas are usually treated with surgery soon after diagnosis. This is usually followed by a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy because oligodendrogliomas are often 'diffuse', which means they're more difficult to remove completely.
What is the life expectancy of a person with a brain tumor?
The 5-year survival rate for people in the United States with a cancerous brain or CNS tumor is almost 36%. The 10-year survival rate is almost 31%. Age is a factor in general survival rates after a cancerous brain or CNS tumor is diagnosed. The 5-year survival rate for people younger than age 15 is about 75%.
Can you survive a grade 3 brain tumor?
Around 40 out of 100 people (around 40%) with a grade 3 meningioma survive their cancer or 10 years or more. These statistics for people with meningioma are for relative survival. Relative survival takes into account that some people die of causes other than cancer.
Are oligodendrogliomas hereditary?
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.
What is oligodendroglioma?
Overview. Oligodendroglioma is a rare tumor that occurs in the brain. It belongs to a group of brain tumors called gliomas. Gliomas are primary tumors. This means they have originated in the brain rather than spreading from elsewhere in the body. Around 3% of all brain tumors are oligodendrogliomas.
How long can you live with oligodendroglioma?
The life expectancy of a person with an oligodendroglioma depends upon the grade of the tumor and how early it has been diagnosed. It’s important to remember that each person’s circumstances are different and life expectancy statistics do not take into account individual factors, such as your overall health and your quality of care.
What lobe is a tumor located in?
When the tumor is located in the frontal lobe, symptoms often include: When the tumor is located in the parietal lobe, symptoms often include: When the tumor is located in the temporal lobe, symptoms often include:
What are the factors that determine the best course of action for a tumor?
They will base their decisions upon a number of factors: your general health, the grade and location of your tumor, and the final diagnosis given by a neurosurgeon.
What is the best treatment for a tumor?
Initially, steroids will be given to minimize the swelling around the tumor. If you’re experiencing seizures, then you may also be given anticonvulsants.
Do oligodendrogliomas increase in grade?
Like all other gliomas, oligodendrogliomas have a very high rate of recurrence and often gradually increase in grade over time. Recurrent tumors are often treated with more aggressive forms of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Last medically reviewed on January 3, 2018.
Can oligodendrogliomas be removed?
There are many treatment options available and oligodendrogliomas appear to respond well to treatment. It’s unusual to be able to completely remove the disease, but it’s entirely possible to prolong the life of someone with an oligodendroglioma.
How is oligodendroglioma treated?
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.
What is the best way to remove oligodendroglioma?
Your brain surgeon (n eurosurgeon) will work to remove as much of the oligodendroglioma as possible without affecting healthy brain tissue. Specialized surgical techniques, such as awake brain surgery, can help ensure that sensitive brain tissue isn't damaged during surgery.
How does chemotherapy kill cancer cells?
Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy drugs can be taken in pill form or through a vein in your arm. Chemotherapy is often used after surgery to kill any cancer cells that might remain. It can be combined with radiation therapy for aggressive cancers.
What can a specialized test tell you about a tumor?
Specialized tests of the tumor cells can tell your doctor the types of mutations the cells have acquired. This gives your doctor clues about your prognosis and may guide your treatment options.
Can you do a biopsy of oligodendroglioma?
A biopsy can be done with a needle before surgery or during surgery to remove your oligodendroglioma, depending on your particular situation and the location of your tumor. The sample of suspicious tissue is analyzed in a laboratory to determine the types of cells and their level of aggressiveness.
What is oligodendroglioma?
Oligodendroglioma is a rare brain tumor that begin in a certain type of glial cells. Glial cells are glue-like cells that surround nerve cells and help them function. Your outcome depends on the tumor’s location and grade, and your age and health.
How to diagnose oligodendroglioma?
Biopsy: A doctor uses a needle to take a tissue sample from the tumor through a small hole in the skull. A laboratory examines the sample to confirm the diagnosis of oligodendroglioma. The type of tumor, grade and speed of tumor growth can also be determined based on the biopsy.
What is the treatment for oligodendroglioma?
Radiation therapy: Cancer specialists called radiation oncologists use high doses of X-rays to destroy what remains of the tumor after surgery. People with oligodendroglioma do not usually have radiation before surgery. Chemotherapy: Anti-cancer drugs destroy cancer cells throughout the body.
How long should you follow up after oligodendroglioma?
After oligodendroglioma treatment, you should follow up with your doctor throughout the rest of your life. Your doctor can monitor you for signs of new tumor growth and treat you right away.
How long can anaplastic oligodendroglioma be present?
They can be present for years before causing symptoms. They are usually confined to nearby tissue only. Grade 3 (high grade) anaplastic oligodendroglioma: These tumors are malignant and can spread quickly to other areas of the central nervous system.
What tests are used to determine the location of oligodendroglioma?
Imaging tests: CT scans and MRIs help doctors determine the size and location of the tumor. Biopsy: A doctor uses a needle to take a tissue sample from the tumor through a small hole in the skull. A laboratory examines the sample to confirm the diagnosis of oligodendroglioma.
Can a chromosome abnormality cause cancer?
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. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission.
What is an oligodendroglioma?
An oligodendroglioma is a type of brain tumour. It belongs to a group of tumours called gliomas. Gliomas are tumours that develop from the glial cells. Glial cells support nerve cells in the brain or spinal cord. Oligodendrogliomas develop from a type of glial cell called an oligodendrocyte. These cells make up the fatty covering of nerve cells.
What are the biomarkers for glioma?
For gliomas, biomarker tests look for changes in genes called IDH, 1p/19q and ATRX. Doctors may also test the sample to check the levels of a protein called MGMT in glioma tumour cells.
What is the treatment for high grade cancer?
If surgery is possible, the surgeon will remove as much of the tumour as they can. After surgery, you will usually have radiotherapy or chemotherapy, or both . A combination of chemotherapy drugs may be used.
Does oligodendroglioma spread to other parts of the body?
But, rarely, they start in the spinal cord. They do not spread to other parts of the body. This information is about oligodendroglioma in adults. For more information about oligodendroglioma in children, contact the Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group.
Types of Oligodendroglioma
Oligodendrogliomas can be cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign). They usually form in the frontal or temporal lobes of the brain but occasionally occur in the spinal cord.
Oligodendroglioma Symptoms
A seizure is the most common symptom of an oligodendroglioma tumor. About 60% of people experience a seizure before being diagnosed with an oligodendroglioma. 1
Causes
Researchers don’t know the exact cause of oligodendrogliomas, but genetics seem to be a factor.
Treatment
Treatments for an oligodendroglioma depend on the grade, type, and location of the tumor.
Prognosis
Only about 1,200 people in the United States are diagnosed with an oligodendroglioma each year. They account for about 4% of all primary brain tumors. 3
Coping
If you’ve been diagnosed with a brain tumor, such as an oligodendroglioma, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed.
A Word From Verywell
Oligodendrogliomas are rare brain tumors that cause neurological symptoms. See your physician if you experience any symptoms of a brain tumor. Getting an accurate diagnosis and the appropriate treatment improves your outlook for oligodendrogliomas.
How rare is oligodendroglioma?
Oligodendroglioma is relatively rare, accounting for about 1.4% of all primary brain tumors. 1 In 2017, an estimated 670 new cases were diagnosed in the United States. 1 Most oligodendrogliomas occur in adults, although can occasionally occur in infants and children as well.
How well does oligodendroglioma respond to treatment?
How well a patient with oligodendroglioma responds to treatment depends on a variety of factors, including the tumor grade (grade II or III), extent of surgical resection, patient age, and patient general health characteristics. Overall, survival rates for oligodendroglioma are difficult to predict, given the rarity of the condition.
What is the difference between anaplastic and oligodendroglioma?
The lowest grade of oligodendroglioma, grade II, grows slowly and appears slightly abnormal, while anaplastic oligodendroglioma, grade III, is more aggressive, grows more quickly, and appears more abnormal-looking. There is neither a grade I nor a grade IV meningioma. In some cases, an oligodendroglioma (grade II) can progress over time to become an anaplastic oligodendroglioma (grade III). Other cases present as grade III tumors initially.
What is the name of the tumor that wraps around the brain?
Oligodendroglioma is a brain tumor arising from oligodendrocytes, the name for cells that normally wrap around and provide support to nerve fibers in the brain.
What is the name of the chromosomes that are missing in oligodendrogliomas?
Oligodendrogliomas have abnormal chromosomes that are missing sections of chromosomes 1p and 19q, called a “1p/19q co-deletion”. Oligodendrogliomas also must demonstrate a mutation in the genes IDH1 or IDH2.
Is oligodendroglioma a long term disease?
In general though, complete surgical removal of the tumor offers the best patient outcomes for long-term survival.
Can oligodendroglioma be treated with surgery?
For patients with the slower-growing oligodendroglioma (grade II), surgery is often sufficient to remain tumor-free for many years. However, patients will continue to be monitored for both tumor recurrence and progression to a higher grade tumor.
Finding Expert Care
Since oligodendrogliomas are a rare brain cancer, my neurosurgeons referred me to Mark Gilbert, M.D., who at the time was a neuro-oncologist in Houston experienced in treating rare tumors. At 19-years-old, I trusted Dr. Gilbert to give me the best available treatments for my specific tumor type.
Treating My Brain Cancer Recurrence
New tests confirmed the anaplastic oligodendroglioma was back. Therefore, I needed to have my second brain surgery. My second surgery was at the NIH with Kareem Zaghloul, M.D., Ph.D., of the National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, on August 28, 2015 (my older brothers’ birthday). Dr.
My Advice and Hope
I am thankful that God blessed me with a caring and supportive family – my wife, parents and brother. All my prayer warriors and my families’ love is truly humbling. I am thankful for each breath I get to take and my second chance at life. And even more rewarding, I am expecting a baby boy in January 2019.
¿Dónde se encuentra el oligodendroglioma?
El oligodendroglioma se encuentra con más frecuencia en la sustancia blanca y la capa exterior del cerebro (corteza cerebral) pero se puede formar en cualquier parte del SNC. Este tumor se llama oligodendroglioma porque las células son similares a los oligodendrocitos, un tipo de células del cerebro que sostienen y aíslan las fibras nerviosas en el SNC.
¿Qué es un oligodendroglioma?
El oligodendroglioma es un tumor primario del sistema nervioso central (SNC). Esto significa que se origina en el cerebro o la médula espinal.
