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Oligodendroglioma: diagnosis and prognosis
1Department of Pathology, University of Texas System Cancer Center, M. D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute.
Seminars in Diagnostic Pathology
|August 1, 1987
Summary
Accurate diagnosis of oligodendrogliomas, a rare brain tumor, is crucial. While grading systems are improving, radical surgery and radiation therapy show promise for improving survival in these intracranial neoplasms.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Pathology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Oligodendrogliomas are rare intracranial gliomas, comprising 4-7% of cases.
- Typically found in the cerebral hemispheres of middle-aged adults.
- Classical calcifications are present in only 50% of cases, complicating diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of accurate diagnosis for oligodendrogliomas.
- To review diagnostic techniques and emerging grading systems.
- To discuss current treatment strategies and evidence for improved survival.
Main Methods:
- Review of diagnostic techniques including touch imprints, electron microscopy, and immunohistochemistry.
- Evaluation of recent clinical and pathologic studies for grading criteria.
- Analysis of evidence regarding surgical excision and postoperative radiation therapy.
Main Results:
- Specialized techniques aid in the diagnosis of oligodendrogliomas.
- New grading systems offer concrete criteria for prognosis.
- Evidence suggests radical surgical excision may improve survival.
Conclusions:
- Accurate diagnosis of oligodendrogliomas is essential due to their rarity.
- Improved grading systems are becoming available for prognosis.
- Further prospective therapeutic trials are needed to establish optimal treatment protocols.