Oligodendroglioma in Children
Overview
The
brain and the spinal cord make up the central nervous system (CNS). A tumor is an
abnormal growth of tissue. An oligodendroglioma is a type of CNS tumor called a glioma.
These tumors start in the glial cells, which support other brain cells. There are
many
types of gliomas.
Oligodendroglioma is a very rare tumor that starts in cells called oligodendrocytes.
These are the cells that help form the fatty covering (called myelin) of nerve cells.
They can start anywhere in the brain or spinal cord.
Oligodendrogliomas:
- Are
more common in adults than in children
- May
start out growing slowly (low-grade) but tend to change over time and then grow
faster (high-grade)
- Are often there for many years before they're diagnosed
- Often
grow into the brain tissue, which makes them hard to remove with surgery
- May be
mixed with other types of cells that also support the brain
- Rarely
spread beyond the CNS to other parts of the body
Causes
Researchers don't know what causes
brain tumors. Changes (mutations) in the genes (DNA) likely cause normal cells to
turn
into cancer. These may be passed on from parents to children (inherited). Or they
may
happen without a known reason.
Symptoms
Symptoms of brain tumors depend on their size and where they are in the CNS. For
instance, if a tumor starts in the part of the brain that controls
speech, your child's speech may be affected.
Symptoms of an oligodendroglioma may include:
- Seizures
(this is the most common symptom)
- Headaches, mostly when first waking up
- Trouble with thinking, memory, or concentration
- Nausea and vomiting
- Problems with vision or speech
- Weakness or numbness, often just on one side of the face or body
- Balance
problems
The symptoms of oligodendroglioma can be like other health conditions. Make sure your
child sees a healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
Diagnosis
Your
child's healthcare provider will ask about your child's health history and symptoms.
A
physical exam with a neurological exam will be done. The neuro exam tests reflexes,
muscle strength, eye and mouth movement, and coordination. Your child's healthcare
provider may refer your child to a pediatric cancer specialist (oncologist). Some
of the
tests that might be needed include:
-
CT scan. A CT scan
uses a series of X-rays and a computer to make detailed pictures of the inside of
the
body. Your child may drink a contrast dye or it may be put into a vein. The dye helps
show more details.
-
MRI. An MRI
uses large magnets, radio waves, and a computer to make detailed pictures of the
inside of your child's body. Contrast dye may be put into your child's vein to help
get clear pictures.
-
Biopsy. During this
test, tumor cells are taken out and sent to a lab for testing. A biopsy is done to
find out the type of tumor and how fast it's likely to grow. It may be done during
surgery.
-
Biomarker tests. Lab tests may
be done to identify specific qualities of your child's tumor. This testing may help
guide treatment choices. Talk with your child's oncologist to learn more.
Part
of diagnosing oligodendroglioma and deciding on treatment is learning more about the
tumor. This process is called
grading. Grading
describes how much the cancer cells look like normal cells. Most tumors are graded
on a
scale of I (1) to IV (4). Oligodendroglioma are grouped as either grade II (2) or
III
(3). Grade II means that the cancer cells look a lot like normal cells and are likely
to
grow slowly. Grade III means that the cancer cells look very different and are fast
growing. Grade III tumors are also called anaplastic oligodendrogliomas. Talk with
your
child's healthcare provider about the grade of your child's tumor and what it means.
Treatment
If
your child has been diagnosed with a brain tumor and time allows, you may want your
child to see a different oncologist to get a second opinion. This may help you better
understand the treatment choices and feel good about the treatment choices you make.
It's
important for your child to be treated at a center that specializes in treating cancer
in children. Most children are treated in a clinical trial. These are studies that
compare the best treatments available now with treatments that are thought to be even
better. Your child's healthcare provider may talk to you about this choice.
Treatment may include one or more of the following:
-
Surgery. This
treatment removes part or all of the tumor. More surgery may be needed over time,
if
the tumor grows back. Chemotherapy or radiation therapy might be given after
surgery.
-
Chemotherapy.
These are strong medicines that kill cancer cells. One or more chemo medicines
may be given at the same time. A type of chemo treatment, called targeted
chemotherapy, targets the cancer's genes, proteins, and other parts of the cancer
cell. Targeted chemotherapy blocks the growth and spread of the cancer cells and
limits damage to normal cells.
-
Radiation therapy.
These are high-energy X-rays or other types of radiation. They're aimed at the
cancer cells to kill them and stop them from growing.
-
Clinical trials. A
clinical trial is a way to test new treatments for cancer. Ask your child's
healthcare provider if there are any treatments being tested that may work well for
your child. Many new treatments are only available in clinical trials.
-
Supportive care.
Treatment can cause side effects. Medicines and other treatments can be used for
pain, fever, infection, and nausea and vomiting. Managing side effects is an
important part of cancer care.
Other
treatments may include:
With any cancer, how well a child is expected to recover (prognosis) varies. Keep
in mind:
- Getting
medical treatment right away is important for the best outcomes. Cancer that has
spread in the CNS is harder to treat.
- Ongoing follow-up care during and after treatment is needed.
- Talk
with your child's healthcare provider about any concerns you have or problems you
notice. Your child's treatment team wants to know as much as they can about how your
child is doing.
Complications
A
child may have short- and long-term problems from the tumor or from treatment. These
may
include things like:
- Damage
to the brain or nervous system that causes problems with coordination, muscle
strength, speech, hearing, or eyesight
- Problems
after surgery, such as infection, bleeding, and problems with general anesthesia (the
medicines used during surgery)
- Infection and bleeding from chemotherapy
- Delayed growth and development
- Learning problems
- Problems with reproduction (infertility)
- Return
of the cancer (recurrence)
- Increased risk for other cancers later in life
Talk with
your child's healthcare provider about what you should watch for and what can be done
to
help prevent problems.
Living with
A
child with a brain tumor needs special care for the rest of their life. Your child
will
be seen by oncologists and other healthcare providers to treat any late effects of
treatment and watch for symptoms of the tumor returning. Your child will be checked
with
imaging tests and other tests. Your child may also see other healthcare providers
for
problems caused by the tumor or treatment. For instance, your child may see an eye
care
provider (ophthalmologist) for vision problems.
Your
child may need therapy to help with movement, muscle strength, and everyday activities.
Your child may see physical and occupational therapists. If your child's speech is
affected, your child may need help from a speech therapist. Your child may also need
the
help of other therapists for learning or emotional problems.
You
can help your child manage their treatment in many ways. For instance:
- Your child may have trouble eating. A dietitian may be able to help.
- Your
child may be very tired. They will need to balance rest and activity. Encourage your
child to get some exercise. This is good for overall health. And it may help to
lessen tiredness.
- Get
emotional support for your child. Find a counselor, or a child support group can
help.
- Make
sure your child goes to all follow-up appointments.
When to Call a Healthcare Provider
Your child's healthcare provider will talk with you about when to
call. You may be told to call if your child has any of the below:
- New symptoms or symptoms that get worse
- Signs of an infection, such as a fever or chills
- Side effects of treatment that affect your child's daily
function or don’t get better with treatment
Ask your child's healthcare provider what signs to watch for and when
to call. Know how to get help after office hours and on weekends and holidays.
Key Points
- Oligodendroglioma is a type of brain tumor. It’s a rare tumor that grows in the cells
that make up the fatty covering of nerve cells.
- These
tumors are rare in children.
- Symptoms may include seizures, headaches, trouble with thinking, memory, or concentration,
and nausea and vomiting.
- Oligodendrogliomas may be diagnosed with MRI, CT scan, or both.
- Treatment is usually surgery. It may be followed by chemotherapy, radiation therapy,
or both. Other treatments may be needed to control symptoms and side effects.
- Ongoing care is important.
- Because
the cancer is so rare, it's important for your child to be treated at a center that
specializes in the disease.
Next Steps
Tips
to help you get the most from a visit to your child’s healthcare provider:
- Know the reason for the visit and what you want to happen.
- Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
- At the
visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis and any new medicines, treatments, or
tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you for your
child.
- Know why
a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help your child. Also know
what the side effects are.
- Ask if your child’s condition can be treated in other ways.
- Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
- Know what to expect if your child does not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
- If your child has a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose
for that visit.
- Know
how you can contact your child’s healthcare provider after office hours. This is
important if you have questions or need advice.