treatment for oligodendroglioma after surgery

    
      Re: treatment for oligodendroglioma after surgery
    


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Posted by ccf neuro M.D. on June 01, 1997 at 14:38:23:

In Reply to: treatment for oligodendroglioma after surgery posted by Cindy Kelley-Mays on May 25, 1997 at 19:03:23:

: mom went thru de-bulking surgery first pathologist said GBM we were prepared to do radiation--Did special parrafin stain found out it is oligodendroglioma how does treantment differ?  HELP!!!!!!!!!!!
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Glioblastoma multiforme is an extremely malignant tumor of the brain that arises from supporting cells for the brain (glia) known specifcally as astrocytes. Oligodendroglioma, by contrast arises from a different type of supporting glia cell called the oligodendroglioma, which, when functioning normally, provide the insulation for the nerve cells and fibers in the brain known as myelin. Tumors arising from glial cells range from benign to extremely malignant. Features of a tumor that suggest it is malignant include the presence of dead or so called "necrotic" areas of the tumor (that result when it grows so fast that the growth of blood vessels to it is not fast enough to keep pace, resulting in death of tumor cells from oxygen/blood deprivation), frequent "mitoses" (dividing cells), and certain microscpic features of the cells--- like very large, bizarre appearing cells). Often glial brain tumors have "roots", making their complete removal impossible, much like trying to pull out a weed from the ground and
not being able to get all the roots out with it. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are common additonal or "adjunctive" therapies for malignant brain tumors. Overall, oligodendrogliomas carry a better prognosis than glioblastoma multiforme, however, the prognosis for malignant oligodendrogliomas is still not good. Specific differences in treatment of one versus the other tumor depend on the features of the tumor as I described; thus, I cannot comment on your mother's specific case. I should also mention to you that there is such a thing as a "mixed" glioma--- a tumor that has cells arising from BOTH oligodendroglial AND astrocytic glial cells; prognosis for such tumors also depends on the microscopic features above that determine the "grade" (of malignancy) of the tumor. If your mother is near the Cleveland area and would be interested in a second opinion on the management of her particular case, I would suggest making her an appointment at our brain tumor clinic; our number is 1-800-223-2273 (ask for brain tumor clinic appointments); I would recommend Dr. Bruce Cohen (our chief neurooncologist) or Dr. Gene Barnett (our chief brain tumor surgeon) specifically. Information provided in the neurology forum is intended for general medical informational purposes only; diagnosis, treatment, and management of your individual case should be strictly in conjunction with your treating physician(s). I hope this information is useful to you.