An oligodendroglioma is a type of brain tumour. This information is about oligodendrogliomas, their symptoms and treatments. It should ideally be read with our general information about brain tumours.
A tumour is either benign or malignant. Benign tumours can continue to grow but the cells do not spread from the original site. In a malignant tumour, the cells can invade and destroy surrounding tissue and may spread to other parts of the brain.
Diagram showing the lobes and functions of the brain Oligodendrogliomas Back to top
Within the brain there are nerve cells, and cells that support and protect the nerve cells. The supporting cells are called glial cells. A tumour of these is known as a glioma.Oligodendroglioma is a type of glioma that develops from cells called oligodendrocytes. These cells produce the fatty covering of nerve cells. This type of tumour is normally found in the cerebrum (the white area on the diagram above), particularly in the frontal or temporal lobes.
Oligodendrogliomas are divided into two types:
- A well-differentiated tumour, which grows slowly.
- An anaplastic oligodendroglioma, which grows more quickly.
Grading of oligodendrogliomas Back to top
Grading refers to the appearance of the tumour under a microscope. The grade gives an idea of how quickly the tumour may grow. Grade 2 is low-grade and grade 3 is high-grade (anaplastic). There is no grade 1.Causes of an oligodendroglioma Back to top
As with most brain tumours, the cause of oligodendroglioma is unknown. Research is being carried out into possible causes.Signs and symptoms of an oligodendroglioma Back to top
People with slow-growing oligodendrogliomas may have mild symptoms for several years before the tumour is discovered.The first symptoms of any type of brain tumour are usually due to increased pressure within the skull (raised intracranial pressure). This may be caused by a blockage in the ventricles (fluid-filled spaces of the brain), which leads to a build-up of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF is the fluid that surrounds the brain and the spinal cord. This increased pressure may also be caused by swelling around the tumour itself.
Raised intracranial pressure can cause headaches, sickness (vomiting) and visual problems. Fits (seizures) and changes in behaviour and personality can also be general signs of a brain tumour.
Oligodendrogliomas can grow in different parts of the brain, and symptoms may relate to the area of the brain that is affected:
- A tumour in the frontal lobe of the brain may cause gradual changes in mood and personality. There may also be paralysis (inability to move) on one side of the body. This is called hemiparesis.
- A tumour in the temporal lobe of the brain may cause problems with coordination and speech, and it may affect your memory.
Tests and investigations for oligodendrogliomas Back to top
Your doctors need to find out as much as possible about the type, position and size of the tumour, so they can plan your treatment. You may have a number of tests and investigations.The doctor will examine you thoroughly and test the power and feeling in your arms and legs. They will also test your reflexes.
Your doctor will look into the back of your eyes using an ophthalmoscope. They can see if the optic nerve at the back of the eye is swollen. This can be caused by oedema (swelling of the tissues within the brain), which may occur due to an increase in the amount of fluid in the brain.
A CT scan or MRI scan will be done to find the exact position and size of the tumour.
CT (computerised tomography) scan
A CT scan takes a series of x-rays that build up a three-dimensional picture of the inside of the body. The scan is painless and takes 10-30 minutes. CT scans use small amounts of radiation, which will be very unlikely to harm you or anyone you come into contact with.You will be given an injection of a dye, which allows particular areas to be seen more clearly.
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