Oligodendroglioma (patient information)

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Editor-in-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S.,M.D. [mailto:mgibson@perfuse.org] Phone:617-632-7753; Associate Editor-In-Chief: Jinhui Wu, MD

Overview
Oligodendroglioma is a type of glioma. It occupies about 4% of brain tumors. This type of brain tumor origins from the oligodendrocytes which make myelin, a substance that surrounds and insulates axons of the brain and spinal cord. Oligodendroglioma occurs primarily in adults and only rarely found in children. Usual symptoms include headache, hydrocephalus, nausea and vomiting, seizure, weakness, or numbness in the extremities. Sometimes oligodendroglioma may spread along the cerebrospinal fluid pathways but rarely spread outside the brain or spinal cord. Treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, gene therapy, or a combination of them. Because oligodendroglioma may infiltrate nearby brain tissue, it cannot be completely removed by surgery. Prognosis of oligodendroglioma depends on the grade of the cancer.

Where to find medical care for oligodendroglioma?
Directions to Hospitals Treating oligodendroglioma