Description

Oligodendroglioma is a growth of cells that begins in the brain or the spinal cord. The growth, called a tumor, begins in the cells called oligodendrocytes. These cells produce a substance that protects nerve cells and helps with the flow of the electrical signals in the brain and the spinal cord.

Oligodendroglioma is more common in adults, but can occur at any age. Symptoms include seizures, headaches, and weakness or disability in one part of the body. Where this happens in the body depends on which parts of the brain or spinal cord are affected by the tumor.

Treatment is with surgery, when possible. Sometimes, the surgery cannot be performed if the tumor is in a place that makes it difficult to get to with surgical tools. Other treatments may be necessary if the tumor cannot be removed, or if it is likely to return after surgery.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of oligodendroglioma include:

  • Balance problems.
  • Changes in behavior.
  • Memory problems.
  • Numbness on one side of the body.
  • Speech problems.
  • Problems thinking clearly.
  • Seizures.

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with a doctor or other health care professional if they continue to symptoms that worry you.

Causes

The cause of oligodendroglioma is often not known. This tumor begins as a growth of the cells in the brain or the spinal cord. Is formed in the cells called oligodendrocytes. Oligodendrocytes help protect the nerve cells and helps with the flow of the electrical signals in the brain.

Oligodendroglioma happens when oligodendrocytes develop changes in their DNA. A cell's DNA contains the instructions that tell the cell what to do. In healthy cells, the DNA contains the instructions to grow and multiply at a set rate. The instructions that tell cells to die at a set time. In tumor cells, changes in DNA to give different instructions. Changes to say to the tumor cells to grow and multiply quickly. Tumor cells can continue living when healthy cells would die. This makes too many cells.

The tumor cells of a growth that you can press in the immediate vicinity of the parts of the brain or of the spinal cord as the growth becomes larger. Sometimes changes in the DNA to activate the tumor cells in the cancer cells. The cancerous cells can invade and destroy healthy body tissue.

Risk factors

Risk factors for the oligodendroglioma include:

  • The history of radiation exposure. A history of radiation to the head and neck may increase the risk of a person.
  • Adulthood. This tumor can occur at any age. But it is more often found in adults in their 40s and 50s.
  • The white race. Oligodendroglioma occurs more frequently in white individuals do not have Hispanic ancestry.

There is no way to prevent the oligodendroglioma.

Diagnosis

Tests and procedures used to diagnose oligodendroglioma include:

  • Neurological examination. During a neurological exam, we will ask you about your signs and symptoms. Your vision, hearing, balance, coordination, strength, and reflexes are marked. Problems in one or more of these areas may provide clues about the part of the brain that could be affected by a tumor in the brain.
  • Imaging tests. Imaging tests can help determine where the brain tumor and its size. Magnetic resonance imaging is often used to diagnose brain tumors. Can be used with the special types of magnetic resonance imaging, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
  • The removal of a sample of tissue for analysis.A biopsy is a procedure to remove a small tissue sample of the tumor for testing. When possible, the sample is removed during surgery to remove the tumor. If the tumor cannot be removed with surgery, a sample could be collected with a needle. The method that you use depends on your situation and location of the tumor. The tissue sample will be going to a laboratory for analysis. Tests can show what types of cells are involved. Special tests can show you detailed information about the tumor cells. For example, a test can observe the changes in the cells of the tumor genetic material called DNA. The results inform your health care team about your prognosis. Your healthcare team uses this information to create a treatment plan.

The removal of a sample of tissue for analysis. A biopsy is a procedure to remove a small tissue sample of the tumor for testing. When possible, the sample is removed during surgery to remove the tumor. If the tumor cannot be removed with surgery, a sample could be collected with a needle. The method that you use depends on your situation and location of the tumor.

The tissue sample will be going to a laboratory for analysis. Tests can show what types of cells are involved. Special tests can show you detailed information about the tumor cells. For example, a test can observe the changes in the cells of the tumor genetic material called DNA. The results inform your health care team about your prognosis. Your healthcare team uses this information to create a treatment plan.

Treatment

Oligodendroglioma treatments include:

  • The surgery to remove the tumor.The goal of surgery is to remove the greatest amount of oligodendroglioma as possible. The brain surgeon, who is also a neurosurgeon, works to remove the tumor without damaging healthy brain tissue. One way to do this is called awake brain surgery. During this type of surgery, you are woken up in a sleeplike state. The surgeon can ask questions and monitor the activity in your brain as a response. This helps to show the important parts of the brain so that the surgeon can avoid. Other treatments may be needed after the surgery. These may be recommended if any tumor cells remain or if there is an increase in the risk that the tumor will come back.
  • Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy uses strong drugs to kill tumor cells. Chemotherapy is often used after surgery to destroy any tumor cells that may remain. Can be used at the same time as radiation therapy or after radiation therapy is finished.
  • The radiation therapy.Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill tumor cells. The energy can come from X-rays, protons or other sources. During radiation therapy, you lie on a table while a machine moves around you. The machine sends rays of exact points in your brain. Radiation therapy is sometimes used after surgery and can be combined with chemotherapy.
  • Clinical trials. Clinical trials are studies of new treatments. These studies give the opportunity to try the latest treatment options. The risk of side effects may not be known. Ask a member of your health care team if you can participate in a clinical trial.
  • Supportive care. Supportive care, also called palliative care, which focuses on the relief of pain and other symptoms of a serious disease. Palliative care specialists work with you, your family, and members of your healthcare team to provide additional support. Palliative care can be used at the same time as other treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

The surgery to remove the tumor. The goal of surgery is to remove the greatest amount of oligodendroglioma as possible. The brain surgeon, who is also a neurosurgeon, works to remove the tumor without damaging healthy brain tissue. One way to do this is called awake brain surgery. During this type of surgery, you are woken up in a sleeplike state. The surgeon can ask questions and monitor the activity in your brain as a response. This helps to show the important parts of the brain so that the surgeon can avoid.

Other treatments may be needed after the surgery. These may be recommended if any tumor cells remain or if there is an increase in the risk that the tumor will come back.

The radiation therapy. Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill tumor cells. The energy can come from X-rays, protons or other sources. During radiation therapy, you lie on a table while a machine moves around you. The machine sends rays of exact points in your brain.

Radiation therapy is sometimes used after surgery and can be combined with chemotherapy.

Preparing for your appointment

Make an appointment with a doctor or other health care professional if you have any symptoms that worry you. If your doctor thinks you might have oligodendroglioma, it is likely that you will be referred to a specialist. This could be a doctor who specializes in cancer, called an oncologist. You can also see a surgeon who specializes in the functioning of the brain and spinal cord, called a neurosurgeon.

Appointments can be short, so being prepared can help. Here is some information that can help you prepare.

What you can do

When you make the appointment, ask if there is something that you need to make ahead of time, such as fasting before a specific test. Make a list of:

  • Your symptoms, including any that seem unrelated to the reason for your appointment.
  • Key personal information, including major stresses, recent life changes and family medical history.
  • All medications, vitamins or supplements that you are taking, including the dosage.
  • Questions to ask your health care professional.

Have a friend or family member, if possible, to help you remember the information they give you.

For oligodendroglioma, some basic questions to ask your health care professional include:

  • Do I have cancer?
  • If the tumor is not cancerous, do I have to remove?
  • I need more tests?
  • What are my treatment options?
  • What are the possible complications of these treatment options?
  • Do any of the treatments to cure my cancer?
  • I have a copy of my pathology report?
  • How much time can I take to consider my options for treatment?
  • Are there brochures or other printed material that I can take with me? What websites do you recommend?
  • What would happen if I chose not to have treatment?

Do not hesitate to ask other questions.

What you can do in the meantime

Avoid doing anything that seems to worsen your signs and symptoms.

Symptoms and treatment of Oligodendroglioma