What Is an Oligodendroglioma?

Oligodendrogliomas are rare tumors found in the brain or spinal cord.

These tumors develop from cells called oligodendrocytes, 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.

This article will discuss the types, symptoms, causes, and treatment options available for oligodendrogliomas.

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 categorized into two types, based on how fast the tumor grows, including:

• Grade II (low grade) oligodendrogliomas: These tumors grow slowly and usually only affect nearby tissue. In most cases, they develop for years before a person notices any symptoms.
• Grade III (high grade) anaplastic oligodendrogliomas: These tumors are cancerous and fast-growing.
  

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.

Other symptoms may include:

• Headache
• Memory or cognition problems
• Weakness
• Numbness
• Balance or movement issues
• Language difficulties
• Changes in behavior or personality
  

Causes

Researchers don’t know the exact cause of oligodendrogliomas, but genetics seem to be a factor.

Certain genetic mutations, specifically abnormalities involving the loss of chromosomes 1p and 19q, appear to play a role in the development of oligodendrogliomas.

Being exposed to significant radiation from X-rays or cancer treatment may also increase your chances of developing an oligodendroglioma.

Diagnosis

The following tests are performed to diagnose an oligodendroglioma:

• Neurological exam: A physician will assess coordination, balance, reflexes, weakness, and vision or hearing problems.
• Imaging scans: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans may be done to help determine the size and location of the tumor.
• Biopsy: Removing a sample of tissue from the suspected tumor and sending it to a lab for analysis. This test can help identify the type and grade of the tumor.

Other specialized tests may be performed to help a physician diagnose an oligodendroglioma.

Treatment

Treatments for an oligodendroglioma depend on the grade, type, and location of the tumor.

Treatment options include:

• Surgery: If the tumor is in a safe location, surgery can be performed to remove it. During the procedure, surgeons carefully try to cut out as much of the tumor as possible without damaging healthy tissue.  
• Radiation: Radiation therapy uses high-energy particles to destroy cancer cells. It’s often used after surgery to target remaining tumor cells.
• Chemotherapy: Drugs are used to kill cancer cells in the body. Physicians sometimes recommend this treatment before or after radiation therapy to destroy any residual cancer cells that are left after surgery or radiation.

For someone who can't undergo surgery, chemotherapy and radiation may be used together as the primary treatment of choice.

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.

Your outlook for oligodendroglioma will depend on the type of tumor, the selected treatment, your overall health, age, and other factors.

The five-year survival rate for someone with an oligodendroglioma is 74%. It’s important to remember that this statistic is only an estimation and may not be true for your specific case.

Survival rates will depend on the tumor grade, location, extent of resection, your age, and your level of function at diagnosis.

Some people with oligodendrogliomas live without symptoms. Others will need ongoing treatment to control the growth and spread.

Coping

If you’ve been diagnosed with a brain tumor, such as an oligodendroglioma, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed.

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.

It’s also important to take care of yourself, which includes eating a healthy diet, exercising if you can, and getting enough sleep.

If you’re struggling emotionally, 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.

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.