Rare Endocrinology News

Disease Profile

Anaplastic oligoastrocytoma

Prevalence
Prevalence estimates on Rare Medical Network websites are calculated based on data available from numerous sources, including US and European government statistics, the NIH, Orphanet, and published epidemiologic studies. Rare disease population data is recognized to be highly variable, and based on a wide variety of source data and methodologies, so the prevalence data on this site should be assumed to be estimated and cannot be considered to be absolutely correct.

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Europe Estimated

Age of onset

Adult

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ICD-10

C71.9

Inheritance

Autosomal dominant A pathogenic variant in only one gene copy in each cell is sufficient to cause an autosomal dominant disease.

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Autosomal recessive Pathogenic variants in both copies of each gene of the chromosome are needed to cause an autosomal recessive disease and observe the mutant phenotype.

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X-linked
dominant X-linked dominant inheritance, sometimes referred to as X-linked dominance, is a mode of genetic inheritance by which a dominant gene is carried on the X chromosome.

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X-linked
recessive Pathogenic variants in both copies of a gene on the X chromosome cause an X-linked recessive disorder.

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Mitochondrial or multigenic Mitochondrial genetic disorders can be caused by changes (mutations) in either the mitochondrial DNA or nuclear DNA that lead to dysfunction of the mitochondria and inadequate production of energy.

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Multigenic or multifactor Inheritance involving many factors, of which at least one is genetic but none is of overwhelming importance, as in the causation of a disease by multiple genetic and environmental factors.

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Not applicable

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Categories

Rare Cancers

Summary

Anaplastic oligoastrocytoma is a brain tumor that forms when two types of cells in the brain, called oligodendrocytes and astrocytes, rapidly increase in number to form a mass. These brain cells are known as glial cells, which normally protect and support nerve cells in the brain. Because an oligoastrocytoma is made up of a combination of two cell types, it is known as a mixed glioma.[1] An oligoastrocytoma is described as anaplastic when the tumor grows quickly and the cancer cells within the tumor have the potential to spread into surrounding brain tissue or to more distant parts of the body. Oligoastrocytomas usually occur in a part of the brain called the cerebrum and are diagnosed in adults between the ages of 30 and 50.[2] The exact cause of this condition is unknown.[3][2]

Symptoms

The symptoms of oligoastrocytoma depend on the size of the tumor and its exact location in the brain. The most common symptoms include headaches, seizures, and changes in personality.[2]

Treatment

Treatment of anaplastic oligoastrocytoma depends on the size and location of the tumor. If possible, treatment begins with surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible. Chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be needed following surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells.[4]

Learn more

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

  • The National Cancer Institute provides the most current information on cancer for patients, health professionals, and the general public.

In-Depth Information

  • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.

References

  1. Oligoastrocytoma. National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/dictionary/?CdrID=321382. Accessed 10/4/2012.
  2. American Brain Tumor Association. Oligoastrocytoma. Understanding Brain Tumors. 2012; https://www.abta.org/understanding-brain-tumors/types-of-tumors/oligoastrocytoma.html. Accessed 10/4/2012.
  3. Oligodendroglioma and Oligoastrocytoma. American Brain Tumor Association. https://www.abta.org/siteFiles/SitePages/BE237E81490FDB6286AF83C71D912A42.pdf. Accessed 10/4/2012.
  4. National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Central Nervous System Cancers. NCCN Clinical Practics Guidelines in Oncology. 2012; https://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/cns.pdf. Accessed 10/4/2012.

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