{"id":12571,"date":"2026-06-03T10:57:18","date_gmt":"2026-06-03T08:57:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/?page_id=12571"},"modified":"2026-07-12T07:43:32","modified_gmt":"2026-07-12T05:43:32","slug":"oligodendroglioma","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/en\/oligodendroglioma\/","title":{"rendered":"Oligodendroglioma \u2014 Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment and Prognosis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n Author:<\/span>\n \n Dr. Zeljko Kojadinovic, MD, PhD\n <\/a>\n \u2014 Consultant Neurosurgeon\n <\/div>\n\n
\n Specialized Experience:<\/span>\n 30 years of clinical expertise in neurosurgery.\n <\/div>\n\n
\n Last medically reviewed:<\/span>\n January 28, 2026\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Who This Oligodendroglioma Page Is For<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n\n

\n This page is intended for patients diagnosed with oligodendroglioma, as well as for family members and caregivers who are seeking a clear, structured explanation of the disease, its long-term course, and treatment options.\n <\/p>\n\n

\n Readers are not expected to read this page from start to finish. Instead, you may return to different sections over time \u2014 when treatment decisions arise, seizures become difficult to control, MRI findings change, or new questions appear during follow-up.\n <\/p>\n\n

\n If treatment recommendations differ, it is unclear whether further surgery, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy is needed, or if you want to better understand the long-term strategy and prognosis in your specific situation, an individualized\n \n neurosurgical second opinion\n <\/a>\n can help clarify options and define a realistic, long-term treatment plan.\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\n When patients and families seek a second opinion for oligodendroglioma\n <\/div>\n\n
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\u2022 The diagnosis feels unclear or difficult to understand<\/div>\n
\u2022 It is uncertain whether further treatment is needed after surgery<\/div>\n
\u2022 There is doubt about the need for radiotherapy or chemotherapy (PCV or temozolomide)<\/div>\n
\u2022 Seizures are difficult to control or are worsening<\/div>\n
\u2022 MRI findings during follow-up are unclear or show possible progression<\/div>\n
\u2022 Different specialists provide different recommendations<\/div>\n
\u2022 A clear long-term strategy and realistic prognosis are not well explained<\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
\n In oligodendroglioma, where the disease course may extend over many years, seeking an independent expert opinion is a reasonable and often helpful step.\n If this reflects your situation, you may request an individualized neurosurgical review here:\n \n Request Second Opinion\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\n Oligodendroglioma \u2014 Quick Summary (Read This First)\n <\/h3>\n\n
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  • Oligodendroglioma is a diffuse infiltrative brain tumor.<\/strong> Tumor cells spread microscopically into surrounding brain tissue, which means it cannot be completely separated from normal brain.<\/li>\n\n
  • \nIt is defined by specific molecular features.<\/strong>\nA true oligodendroglioma requires both an IDH mutation and 1p\/19q codeletion in the current WHO classification,\nand these are determined from tumor tissue obtained during surgery or biopsy as part of histopathological analysis.\n<\/li>\n\n
  • \nIt exists only as CNS WHO grade 2 or grade 3.<\/strong>\nGrade 2 tumors usually grow more slowly, while grade 3 tumors behave more aggressively.\nOligodendroglioma does not occur as grade 1 or grade 4 in the current WHO classification.\n<\/li>\n\n
  • Surgery is usually the first and most important step.<\/strong> The goal is maximal safe resection \u2014 removing as much tumor as possible while preserving neurological function. Surgery can significantly improve seizure control.<\/li>\n\n
  • MRI with contrast is the key diagnostic and follow-up tool.<\/strong> It shows the visible tumor but not always the full microscopic extent of infiltration.<\/li>\n\n
  • \nAdditional treatment depends on grade and risk profile.<\/strong>\nNot all patients require immediate radiotherapy and chemotherapy.\nCombined treatment (radiotherapy + PCV) is standard in grade 3 and higher-risk grade 2 tumors,\nwhile a significant proportion of low-risk grade 2 patients (often around 30\u201350%) may be observed after surgery with regular MRI follow-up. Radiotherapy alone may be used in selected cases when chemotherapy is not suitable, but it is not the standard approach in fit patients.\n<\/li>\n\n
  • The disease often has a long course.<\/strong> Many patients live for years, often more than a decade (grade 2 ~12\u201318+ years, grade 3 ~10\u201315+ years), although recurrence over time is common.<\/li>\n\n
  • \nSeizures are a frequent and important symptom.<\/strong>\nThey occur in approximately 60\u201380% of patients and may be the first sign of the disease, often requiring long-term management.\n<\/li>\n\n
  • Long-term follow-up is essential.<\/strong> Even after successful initial treatment, regular MRI monitoring is needed because the tumor can recur or progress.<\/li>\n\n
  • This page is structured so you can read only what matters to you.<\/strong> Use the Contents box to navigate to sections on diagnosis, surgery, treatment, recurrence, and prognosis.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n

    \n Most readers benefit from the Quick Summary plus the sections on Treatment<\/strong>, When Surgery Is Not Recommended<\/strong>, and Prognosis<\/strong>. The remaining sections provide deeper understanding.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n