Oligodendroglial Tumor

Overview

Oligodendroglioma is a type of brain tumor. However, it can also occur in your spinal cord in rare situations. These tumors arise from oligodendrocytes i.e. brain cell helpers, a type of glial cell. Glial cells are the nervous system’s support cells. They keep the neurons that send and relay impulses within and from your brain healthy and safe.

Gliomas are tumors that arise from glial cells. Oligodendrogliomas comprise 5% to 15% of all gliomas and 3% to 4% of all brain tumors. Every year, approximately 24,000 people worldwide are diagnosed with oligodendroglioma tumor. The majority of those who have it are between the ages of 40 and 50.

Causes

Cancer is a genetic disease caused by gene alterations that control how our cells work. In many types of cancer, genes can be altered, causing cancer cells to develop and spread. The oligodendroglioma cause of the majority is unknown. Radiation exposure and specific gene alterations that can be passed down through families have been related to an increased risk of developing oligodendrogliomas.

Symptoms

Oligodendrogliomas tumor can cause any of the following symptoms, which are typical in brain tumors:

• Altered perceptions, such as odd scents or hallucinations related to the sense of smell
• Muscular weakness, particularly on one side of the body, and lack control over bodily motions.
• Oligodendroglioma symptoms are frequently affected by the location of the brain tumor.
• Oligodendrogliomas in the frontal lobe can produce gradual changes in mood and personality and weakness or numbness in the muscles on one side of the body.
• If it occurs in the temporal lobe, it can interfere with speech, coordination, and memory.

Diagnosis

A healthcare provider will use a physical and neurological exam to diagnose oligodendroglioma.

Imaging for diagnostic purposes.

A brain biopsy and pathology testing are required.

Diagnostic imaging benefits oligodendrogliomas by allowing doctors to “see” within your skull. The scans that are most likely to be beneficial include:

CT scans are frequently the initial imaging scans performed after a seizure or other focused symptoms. Because your bones contain calcium, they appear bright on X-rays and CT scans. Oligodendrogliomas frequently contain calcium and so appear brightly.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans can clearly show the various structures inside your head. They can aid in determining the size and precise location of an oligodendroglioma.

However, imaging scans alone are insufficient to diagnose an oligodendroglioma. They show that you have a tumor in your brain that could be an oligodendroglioma. Clinicians use this data to assess whether you require a brain biopsy and pathology tests.

Treatment

The treatment differs depending on whether the oligodendroglioma is low-grade (slow-growing) or high-grade (rapidly developing).

The following are the primary treatments for oligodendroglioma:

• Surgery to remove as much tumor as feasible
• Radiotherapy to eliminate oligodendroglioma cancer cells using high-energy X-rays
• Chemotherapy, which employs cytotoxic chemicals to kill cancer cells

When To See A Doctor

If you have oligodendroglioma, your doctor will advise you on the best treatment option. They will also suggest a treatment plan and regular follow-up appointments.

You must attend your treatments and follow-up appointments. It is also critical to receive treatment on a consistent and prescribed basis.

Disclaimer

This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have concerns about oligodendroglioma or any other medical condition, please see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment suggestions.