Overview
Oligodendroglioma is an invasive tumor with poorly defined boundaries that is derived from oligodendrocytes. Oligodendrocytes are a specialized type of glial cell in the brain and spinal cord. Oligodendrocytes are responsible for making and supporting the myelin sheath that covers the long extensions of neurons (called axons) that is critical for rapid signaling. As such, oligodendroglioma are part of a group of tumors called gliomas and can be considered a low-grade glioma (LGG) or a high-grade glioma (HGG) glioma, depending on their assigned WHO CNS grade. The diagnosis of oligodendroglioma now depends on biomarker testing of the tumor where both a mutation in IDH and loss of the short arm of chromosome 1 and the long arm of chromosome 19 (1p/19q codeletion) are present. Oligodendroglioma is most often located within the brain’s frontal lobes, but it also occurs in other lobes of the cerebral hemispheres, as well as other areas of the brain. Seizures are a common presenting symptom, as well as headache; neurological changes, such as speech or language difficulties, vision changes, and sensory changes; and cognitive changes, such as difficulty with memory and understanding.
2021 WHO CNS Grade
A tumor grade describes how normal or abnormal tumor cells appear under a microscope. In lower grade tumors like grade 1, the cells look close to normal. In higher grade tumors like grade 4, the cells look more abnormal. Oligodendroglioma is considered grade 2 or 3.
Statistics
- Percent of All Brain and Other CNS Tumors: 0.8%
- Average Annual Age-Adjusted Incidence Rate: 0.22 per 100,000
- Median Age at Diagnosis: 44 years
Survival
Survival rates compare the percentage of people living with a particular diagnosis at a particular point in time compared to the general population.
- One-Year Relative Survival Rate: 95.5%
- Five-Year Relative Survival Rate: 85.0%
- Ten-Year Relative Survival Rate: 72.3%
Treatment Options
Every person living with a brain or CNS tumor is unique. If you have been diagnosed with a brain or CNS tumor and would like to better understand your treatment options, it is important to work with your health care team to decide the best course of treatment for you. You may also consider getting a second opinion or reaching out to our Personalized Support and Navigation team to learn more.
