Oligodendroglioma and Oligoastrocytoma

Oligodendroglioma and oligoastrocytoma belong to a group of brain tumors called “gliomas.” Gliomas are tumors that arise from the glial, or supportive, cells of the brain.  There are several different types of gliomas.

Oligodendroglioma (pronounce everything you see - "oligo den dro glioma") is a specific type of  glioma. An oligoastrocytoma is a glioma containing both oligodendroglioma and astrocytoma tissue. The articles below explain these tumors, their treatments and treatment options, and support resources.

Click on the blue text for more detailed information. Scroll down the page to see the entire list of articles on this page.

Benign vs. Malignant
An explanation of what makes some brain tumors "benign" and some "malignant," how the word "cancer" is used in the brain tumor community,  the difference between tumor "grade" and "stage," and help understanding the meaning of all these words.  

Oligodendroglioma and Oligoastrocytoma
An oligodendroglioma that is mixed with astrocytoma cells (see the introduction above) is called an oligoastrocytomas. This easy-to-read booklet reviews the diagnosis and treatment of both oligodendroglioma and oligoastrocytoma.

Oligodendroglioma - Moving Research into Treatment
This review article discusses what we know about the origin of oligodendroglioma and oligoastrocytoma, current research and treatment options.

High grade gliomas: What patients and families need to know
Higher grade oligodendrogliomas, oligoastrocytoma, anaplastic astrocytoma, and glioblastoma are all belong to a group of tumors called "high grade gliomas." This article, written by a physician, explains what newly diagnosed families need to know about their treatment options. It also offers questions to ask your physician about your treatment plan.

Advances in Treating Brain Tumors
An introduction to recent changes in the way brain tumors are diagnosed and treated. The article focuses on malignant tumors.

Treating Brain Tumors
Visit this section of the ABTA web site for detailed information about surgery, radiation therapies, chemotherapy, steroids, clinical trials, new treatments, and alternative and complementary therapies.

Stay Updated
This free service sends you monthly e-mail updates of new treatments in development, clinical trial results, research study results, and news from the brain tumor community. Follow the link to sign up for these complimentary ABTA e-mail bulletins.

Care & Support
This wonderfully supportive area of the ABTA web site offers tips, techniques, and resources for people living with the diagnosis of a brain tumor.

August, 2009