Are Oligodendrogliomas cancerous?

This means the tumor cells grow slowly and invade nearby normal tissue. In many cases, they form years before being diagnosed as no symptoms appear. Grade III oligodendrogliomas are malignant (cancerous). This means they are fast-growing tumors.

How is oligodendroglioma diagnosed?

Tests and procedures used to diagnose oligodendroglioma include:

1. Neurological exam. During a neurological exam, your doctor will ask you about your signs and symptoms.
2. Imaging tests. Imaging tests can help your doctor determine the location and size of your brain tumor.
3. Removing a sample of tissue for testing (biopsy).

How common are Oligodendrogliomas?

How common are oligodendrogliomas? Oligodendrogliomas are rare. Doctors diagnose them in about 1,200 people in the United States every year. Oligodendrogliomas make up about 4% of all primary brain tumors.

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?

Their names refer to the kind of cells in which they begin: Astrocytoma affects the glial cells called astrocytes. The most aggressive astrocytoma is a glioblastoma, which is also called a glioblastoma multiforme. Oligodendroglioma affects the glial cells called oligodendrocytes.

What makes an oligodendroglioma a low grade tumor?

Oligodendrogliomas are grouped in two grades based on their characteristics. Grade II oligodendrogliomas are low grade tumors. This means the tumor cells grow slowly and invade nearby normal tissue. In many cases, they form years before being diagnosed as no symptoms appear.

What kind of tests are used to diagnose oligodendroglioma?

Tests and procedures used to diagnose oligodendroglioma include: 1 Neurological exam. During a neurological exam, your doctor will ask you about your signs and symptoms. 2 Imaging tests. Imaging tests can help your doctor determine the location and size of your brain tumor. 3 Removing a sample of tissue for testing (biopsy).

What are the treatment options for oligodendrogliomas?

What are the treatment options for oligodendrogliomas? The first treatment for an oligodendroglioma is surgery, if possible. The goal of surgery is to obtain tissue to determine the tumor type and to remove as much tumor as possible without causing more symptoms for the person.

What is the relative 5 year survival rate for 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. If you want to understand your prognosis, talk to your doctor.