What is an oligodendroglioma?
Oligodendrogliomas are a type of glioma that originate from the oligodendrocytes, the type of cells that make up the supportive—or glial—tissue of the brain. They can be low-grade or high-grade tumors. Low-grade oligodendroglioma tumors develop slowly, and high-grade tumors grow more quickly. These tumors can be found anywhere within the cerebral hemisphere of the brain, although the frontal and temporal lobes are the most common locations.
Oligodendroglioma symptoms
Symptoms of oligodendrogliomas include:
- Headaches
- Feeling or being sick
- Seizures
- Difficulty speaking
- Weakness in arms or legs
- Problems with Coordination and balance
- Problems with sight
What are the treatments for oligodendrogliomas?
Treatment depends on the whether tumor is low-grade or high-grade, its position and your overall health. Your physician will talk to you about the best treatment for you and explain the benefits and disadvantages. The main oligodendroglioma treatments include:
- Surgery: This option is used for removing as much as the oligodendroglioma tumor as possible without damaging normal brain tissue.
- Radiation: This oligodendroglioma treatment is used for killing off tumor cells and limiting the growth of the tumor
- Chemotherapy: This involves the use of medications that stop the growth of the tumor and can be given orally or through an IV.