Oligodendrogliomasare rare tumors found in the brain or spinal cord.
These tumors develop from cells calledoligodendrocytes, which make up protective tissue in the brain and spine.
Oligodendrogliomas can be successfully treated, but the outlook varies depending on the location and grade of the tumor.
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This article will discuss the types, symptoms, and causes of this condition.
It also addresses the prognosis and treatment options available for oligodendrogliomas.
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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.
Oligodendrogliomas are usually soft, grayish-pink tumors.
They commonly contain mineral deposits,cysts, or areas ofhemorrhage.
These tumors usually have some swelling around them.
Oligodendroglioma Symptoms
Aseizureis the most commonsymptom of an oligodendrogliomatumor.
About 60% of people experience a seizure before being diagnosed with an oligodendroglioma.
Being exposed to significantradiationfrom X-rays or cancer treatment may also increase your chances of developing an oligodendroglioma.
Who Is Likely to Develop Oligodendrogliomas?
While they can affect anyone, oligodendrogliomas are most common in adults aged 35-44.
They occur more often in males and are rare in children.
Is Oligodendroglioma Curable?
Treatments for an oligodendrogliomadepend on the grade, pop in, and location of the tumor.
Clinical Trials for Oligodendrogliomas
Clinical trials are currently underway to test newer treatments for oligodendrogliomas.
Currently, researchers are looking at targeted drugs, immunotherapies, and chemotherapies.
Talk to your physician to see if you qualify for a clinical trial.
What Is the Survival Rate for Oligodendroglioma?
Others will need ongoing treatment to control the growth and spread of their tumor.
What Questions Should I Ask My Healthcare Provider?
You may have to deal with speech, thinking, balance, cognitive, or motor skill challenges.
Additionally, you may experience seizures or headaches that interfere with your daily life.
Certain therapies and medications are available for many of these problems.
Some people find that joining an online or in-person support group can help them better manage their condition.
These groups connect you with others who are going through the same thing.
Some organizations to check out includeT.H.E.
Summary
Oligodendrogliomas are rare brain tumors that cause neurological symptoms.
Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation are typical treatment methods for this condition.
The five-year survival rate for oligodendrogliomas is encouraging and new therapies are currently being investigated.
Getting an accurate diagnosis and the appropriate treatment improves your outlook for oligodendrogliomas.
University of California San Francisco.Oligodendroglioma.
National Cancer Institute.Oligodendroglioma diagnosis and treatment.
NIH: Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center.Oligodendroglioma.
Center for Cancer Research.Oligodendroglioma and Other IDH-Mutated Tumors: Diagnosis and Treatment.
Weill Cornell Medicine.Diagnosing and Treating Oligodendrogliomas.
American Brain Tumor Association.Oligodendroglioma and Oligoastrocytoma.
American Brain Tumor Association.Oligodendroglioma.
2019;14(1):e0211513.
