Treatment FAQ

what is the life expectancy of a malignant oligodendroglioma after treatment

by Dr. Shyanne Russel Jr. Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

About 30 to 38% of people with this type of tumour will survive for 5 years or more after they are diagnosed. Read more about oligodendroglioma brain tumour types and treatments.

What is the survival rate for oligodendroglioma?

What is the survival rate for oligodendroglioma? When the entire tumor can be removed, the long-term survival rate in low-grade oligodendroglioma is greater than 90%. When the tumor cannot be removed completely and radiation therapy is used, the survival rate is about 80% to 90%. Low-grade oligodendrogliomas have a higher survival rate than the high grade tumors.

Can oligodendroglioma be cured?

We are working to find a cure for low-grade astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma, oligoastrocytoma and ependymoma brain tumours by raising money to support low-grade glioma research projects at the most innovative neuro-oncology research centres in the UK.

Who Grade 2 oligodendroglioma?

With the 2016 revision of the WHO classification for central nervous system tumors, the diagnosis of an oligodendroglioma now requires the presence of both an isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation and combined 1p/19q loss . Tumors continue to be categorized as either grade II (low-grade) or grade III (anaplastic) oligodendroglioma based on histopathologic features.

Is oligodendroglioma a cancer?

Oligodendrogliomas can be malignant (cancer) or benign (not cancer). Some of these tumors grow quickly, but many are slower. They may spread to other parts of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).

How long can you live with an oligodendroglioma?

As a general rule, people with grade II oligodendrogliomas are likely to live for around 12 years following diagnosis. People with grade III oligodendrogliomas are expected to live an average of 3.5 years.

What are the chances of an oligodendroglioma coming back?

Oligodendroglioma is currently an incurable disease and the chances that it will recur and eventually progress are very high. Some people have a recurrence in 2 years and some in 10.

How fast does an oligodendroglioma grow?

Grade 2 (low grade) oligodendroglioma: These benign tumors grow slowly. They can be present for years before causing symptoms. They are usually confined to nearby tissue only.

Can you live a long life after brain cancer?

Survival for all types of cancerous (malignant) brain tumour 40 out of 100 people (40%) survive their cancer for 1 year or more. more than 10 out of 100 people (more than 10%) survive their cancer for 5 years or more.

Can you survive oligodendroglioma?

The relative 5-year survival rate for oligodendroglioma is 74.1% but know that many factors can affect prognosis. This includes the tumor grade and type, traits of the cancer, the person's age and health when diagnosed, and how they respond to treatment.

Can oligodendroglioma metastasize?

An oligodendroglioma metastasizes very infrequently. In most cases (96% in one study) (2), extraneural metastasis occurred after surgical excision of the primary tumor. There are several reports of local infiltration of the meninges as well as drop metastases to the spinal cord.

How does oligodendroglioma affect the body?

Oligodendroglioma can occur at any age, but most often affects adults. Signs and symptoms can include seizures and headaches. Weakness or disability can occur in the part of the body that's controlled by the nerve cells affected by the tumor.

What type of tumor is an oligodendroglioma?

Oligodendrogliomas are a rare type of brain tumour that develops from glial cells called oligodendrocytes. They are more common in adults than in children. Symptoms of oligodendroglioma depend on where the tumour is in the brain. Common symptoms include headaches and seizures (fits).

Are oligodendrogliomas hereditary?

The etiology is not known but no hereditary forms of oligodendroglioma have been reported. However, specific genetic characteristics, such as loss of chromosomes 1p and 19q, are observed.

Can you live a full life after brain tumor surgery?

Some people recover well after brain surgery, but this can take some time. Other people have some problems, or long term difficulties. The problems you may have depends on the area of the brain where the tumour was (or still is if you only had part of the tumour removed).

Can you recover from a malignant brain Tumour?

Outlook. The outlook for a malignant brain tumour depends on things like where it is in the brain, its size, and what grade it is. It can sometimes be cured if caught early on, but a brain tumour often comes back and sometimes it isn't possible to remove it.

How long can a person live after brain tumor surgery?

The 5-year survival rate for people younger than age 15 is about 75%. For people age 15 to 39, the 5-year survival rate nears 72%. The 5-year survival rate for people age 40 and over is 21%. However, survival rates vary widely and depend on several factors, including the type of brain or spinal cord tumor.

What is a grade 2 oligodendroglioma?

Grade II oligodendrogliomas are low grade tumors. This means the tumor cells grow slowly and invade nearby normal tissue. In many cases, they form years before being diagnosed as no symptoms appear.

Where does oligodendroglioma occur?

Oligodendroglioma is a primary central nervous system (CNS) tumor. This means it begins in the brain or spinal cord. To get an accurate diagnosis, a piece of tumor tissue will be removed during surgery, if possible. A neuropathologist should then review the tumor tissue.

How are CNS tumors graded?

Primary CNS tumors are graded based on the tumor location, tumor type, extent of tumor spread, genetic findings, the patient’s age, and tumor remaining after surgery, if surgery is possible.

How do you know if you have oligodendroglioma?

The most common sign of an oligodendroglioma is a seizure. Around 60% of people have a seizure before being diagnosed. Other symptoms people may have: Headaches. Problems with thinking and memory. Weakness. Numbness.

What is the treatment for a tumor after surgery?

Clinical trials, with new chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy drugs, may also be available and can be a possible treatment option. Treatments are decided by the patient’s healthcare team based on the patient’s age, remaining tumor after surgery, tumor type, and tumor location.

What is the likely outcome of the disease or chance of recovery called?

The likely outcome of the disease or chance of recovery is called prognosis.

Can oligodendrogliomas be caused by radiation?

Genes may be mutated (changed) in many types of cancer, which can increase the growth and spread of cancer cells. The cause of most oligodendrogliomas is not known. Exposure to radiation and certain gene changes that can be passed down through families have been linked to a higher chance of developing oligodendrogliomas.

What is the monitoring for oligodendroglioma?

Oligodendroglioma: The monitoring for this type of tumor is done by MRI. If the chemotherapy is working then there should be no growth or also a decrease in the size of ... Read More

What is grade 3 glioma?

Grade 3 glioma: The response of oligodendroglioma to therapy varies from person to person. If it recurs after treatment, it is possible it will respond to treatment ... Read More

What is the prognosis for oligodendroglioma?

Oligodendroglioma prognosis. A prognosis is when your doctor gives you a forecast of the likely outcome of your medical condition. Your doctor cannot be absolutely certain about what will happen to you following a diagnosis of a brain tumour.

How long does oligodendroglioma last?

Low grade (grade 2) About 66 to 78% of people with a grade 2 oligodendroglioma survive for 5 years or more after diagnosis.

Can a prognosis be based on your tumor type?

They can give you an estimate, based on your tumour type and current situation, but they may not be able to predict other factors, such as how well you might respond to treatment. This is why prognosis is often an ongoing process, revised at different stages in your journey.

What is oligodendroglioma?

Oligodendroglioma is a rare brain tumor that begin in a certain type of glial cells. Glial cells are glue-like cells that surround nerve cells and help them function. Your outcome depends on the tumor’s location and grade, and your age and health.

How long can anaplastic oligodendroglioma be present?

They can be present for years before causing symptoms. They are usually confined to nearby tissue only. Grade 3 (high grade) anaplastic oligodendroglioma: These tumors are malignant and can spread quickly to other areas of the central nervous system.

What is the treatment for oligodendroglioma?

Radiation therapy: Cancer specialists called radiation oncologists use high doses of X-rays to destroy what remains of the tumor after surgery. People with oligodendroglioma do not usually have radiation before surgery. Chemotherapy: Anti-cancer drugs destroy cancer cells throughout the body.

How long should you follow up after oligodendroglioma?

After oligodendroglioma treatment, you should follow up with your doctor throughout the rest of your life. Your doctor can monitor you for signs of new tumor growth and treat you right away.

How to diagnose oligodendroglioma?

Biopsy: A doctor uses a needle to take a tissue sample from the tumor through a small hole in the skull. A laboratory examines the sample to confirm the diagnosis of oligodendroglioma. The type of tumor, grade and speed of tumor growth can also be determined based on the biopsy.

What tests are used to determine the location of oligodendroglioma?

Imaging tests: CT scans and MRIs help doctors determine the size and location of the tumor. Biopsy: A doctor uses a needle to take a tissue sample from the tumor through a small hole in the skull. A laboratory examines the sample to confirm the diagnosis of oligodendroglioma.

Can oligodendroglioma be treated?

Doctors can successfully treat many cases of oligodendroglioma. Sometimes people need more than one surgery to remove the whole tumor and ensure it does not return. Some people live symptom-free, active lives with these tumors.

How is oligodendroglioma treated?

Oligodendroglioma treatment usually involves surgery to remove the tumor. Additional treatments may be necessary if the tumor is aggressive or is more likely to recur.

What is the best way to remove oligodendroglioma?

Your brain surgeon (n eurosurgeon) will work to remove as much of the oligodendroglioma as possible without affecting healthy brain tissue. Specialized surgical techniques, such as awake brain surgery, can help ensure that sensitive brain tissue isn't damaged during surgery.

How does chemotherapy kill cancer cells?

Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy drugs can be taken in pill form or through a vein in your arm. Chemotherapy is often used after surgery to kill any cancer cells that might remain. It can be combined with radiation therapy for aggressive cancers.

Can you do a biopsy of oligodendroglioma?

A biopsy can be done with a needle before surgery or during surgery to remove your oligodendroglioma, depending on your particular situation and the location of your tumor. The sample of suspicious tissue is analyzed in a laboratory to determine the types of cells and their level of aggressiveness.

How do you know if you have an oligodendroglioma?

Oligodendroglioma symptoms. Because of their generally slow growth, oligodendrogliomas are often present for years before they are diagnosed. The most common symptoms are seizures, headaches, and personality changes. Other symptoms vary by location and size of the tumor.

Where are oligodendrogliomas found?

Oligodendrogliomas can be found anywhere within the cerebral hemisphere of the brain including the spinal cord, although the frontal and temporal lobes are the most common locations. The majority of oligodendroglioma are located supratentorially (85%), with the frontal lobe being the most common location (50–65%) 1).

What is an oligoastrocytoma?

Oligoastrocytomas are tumors of mixed oligodendroglioma and astrocytoma cell populations, that have historically been variably reported depending on local practice. As of the 2016 update to the WHO classification of CNS tumors, to make the diagnosis genomic evidence of both astrocytic and oligodendroglial components will be required to make the diagnosis, and as such, they are likely to become rare 14).

What percentage of oligodendrogliomas have 1p19q?

Historically, the 1p19q codeletion was present in up to 70-85% of oligodendrogliomas and 50% of oligoastrocytomas 7). The recent (2016) revision to the WHO classification of CNS tumors has highlighted the importance of 1p19q codeletion by making it essential for the diagnosis of oligodendroglioma (along with the IDH mutation) 8).

What grade is anaplastic oligodendroglioma?

anaplastic oligodendroglioma NOS (WHO grade III): IDH and 1p19q indeterminate

What is the rarest type of brain tumor?

Oligodendroglioma is a rare type of glioma brain tumor that develop from cells called oligodendrocytes. About 4 out of every 100 (4%) brain tumors are oligodendrogliomas, representing about 10-15% of the gliomas. Oligodendrocytes (cells that cover and protect nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord) ...

What are the symptoms of opigodendrogliomas?

Common symptoms include seizures, headaches and changes in personality. Other symptoms vary by the size and location of the tumor. The exact cause of opigodendrogliomas is unknown. Some appear to have a chromosome abnormality involving loss of chromosomes 1p (short arm of chromosome 1) and 19q (long arm of chromosome 19), which is not only of diagnostic but also of prognostic and predictive relevance 3).

How long does oligodendroglioma last?

Catching the cancer early and starting treatment is the best way to prolong life -- people with stage II of this kind of cancer live an average of 12 years after diagnosis.

What are the symptoms of oligodendrogliomas?

Symptoms of oligodendrogliomas depend on the location of the tumor and may include: Seizures (most common symptom, affecting about 60% of patients) Headaches. Problems with thinking and memory. Weakness. Numbness. Problems with balance and movement. Problems with coordination. Personality changes.

What is the name of the tumor that starts in the brain?

Oligodendroglioma is a type of tumor that begins in the brain or spinal cord (primary central nervous system ). Oligodendrogliomas account for only about 1% to 2% of brain tumors.

Is oligodendroglioma a cure?

Compared to other brain tumors, oligodendroglioma has a higher survival rate. It may not always be possible to completely cure the cancer, but the life expectancy of patients can be increased with treatment. Life expectancy depends on the grade of the tumor and how early a treatment plan is started. Patients with Grade II oligodendroglioma brain ...

Finding Expert Care

Since oligodendrogliomas are a rare brain cancer, my neurosurgeons referred me to Mark Gilbert, M.D., who at the time was a neuro-oncologist in Houston experienced in treating rare tumors. At 19-years-old, I trusted Dr. Gilbert to give me the best available treatments for my specific tumor type.

Treating My Brain Cancer Recurrence

New tests confirmed the anaplastic oligodendroglioma was back. Therefore, I needed to have my second brain surgery. My second surgery was at the NIH with Kareem Zaghloul, M.D., Ph.D., of the National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, on August 28, 2015 (my older brothers’ birthday). Dr.

My Advice and Hope

I am thankful that God blessed me with a caring and supportive family – my wife, parents and brother. All my prayer warriors and my families’ love is truly humbling. I am thankful for each breath I get to take and my second chance at life. And even more rewarding, I am expecting a baby boy in January 2019.

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