Overview
A healthcare provider will diagnose oligodendroglioma using multiple methods, including:
- A physical and neurological exam.
- Diagnostic imaging.
- A brain biopsy and pathology testing.
Diagnostic imaging is especially important with oligodendrogliomas because it lets providers “see” inside your head. The scans that are most likely to help are:
- Computed tomography (CT) scans: These are often the first imaging scan after a person has a seizure or any focal symptoms. Your bones contain calcium, so they’re bright on X-rays and CT scans. Oligodendrogliomas also often contain calcium, so they also often show up brightly.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans: These scans can clearly display the different structures inside your head. They can help determine the size of an oligodendroglioma and its precise location.
But imaging scans alone aren’t enough to diagnose an oligodendroglioma. They only provide evidence that you have a tumor in your brain that might be an oligodendroglioma. That evidence is what providers use to determine if you need a brain biopsy and pathology testing.
A brain biopsy is a surgical procedure where a neurosurgeon will collect a tiny tumor sample. The tumor sample then goes to a lab for analysis. The analysis will look at the cells under a microscope for visible changes. The sample will also undergo genetic/molecular testing to determine if you have a 1p/19q chromosome co-deletion and an IDH mutation. If testing finds both, a healthcare provider can diagnose the tumor as an oligodendroglioma.
Depending on your symptoms, medical history and any other health concerns, there are other tests you might need to undergo. Your healthcare provider can recommend these tests and explain why they may help.
Symptoms
When to see a doctor
Complications
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Some types of heart valve disease.
Prevention
- Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
- Don't smoke or use tobacco.
- Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
- Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce and manage stress.
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