What is Oligodendroglioma (Spinal Cord)?
Oligodendroglioma (spinal cord) is a rare type of tumour that account for 2%of all spinal cord tumours and originate from the oligodendrocytes of the spinal cord. Oligodendrocytes are also called glial cells these cells protect the nerve cells and help them to function properly.Disease Causes
There is no well-known cause, however certain hereditary and genetic mutations (faulty alterations in genes). Exposure to certain types of radiation and past treatment with radiation therapy is also risk factor for the development of oligodendroglioma (spinal cord).Signs and Symptoms
The patient may suffer from the following signs and symptoms. These are- Pain in the lower back, neck, arms and legs
- Weakness of the arms and legs
- Tingling and numbness of the hands, toes, arms and legs
- Difficulty in walking and writing
Diagnosis
The following diagnostic tests and procedures can be used to make a diagnosis. These are;- Imaging techniques like Chest X-ray, CT-scan, MRI, and PET scan to see the site, size, and extent of the tumour.
- Tumour biopsy (tumour biopsy to remove a small sample of tissue for histopathological examination)
- USG-guided fine needle aspiration cytology