Oligodendroglioma prognosis

About oligodendrogliomas

Oligodendrogliomas are primary brain tumours that most commonly affect adults aged between 40 and 60. They mostly occur in the frontal lobe of the brain, but are also relatively common in the temporal lobe.

There are two types of oligodendroglioma – grade 2 and grade 3. Grade 2 oligodendrogliomas are slow growing and are considered low grade brain tumours.  Grade 3 oligodendrogliomas are faster growing and more likely to spread. These are considered high grade brain tumours. 

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Oligodendroglioma prognosis

Your doctor cannot be absolutely certain about what will happen to you following a diagnosis of an oligodendroglioma brain tumour. They can give you an estimate, based on your tumour type and current situation, but they may not be able to predict other factors, such as how well you might respond to treatment. This is why prognosis is often an ongoing process, revised at different stages in your journey.

Cancer Research UK have some information about the factors which may impact brain tumour survival.

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Oligodendroglioma survival rate

Oligodendroglioma grade 2 prognosis (low grade)

About 66 to 78% of people with a grade 2 oligodendroglioma survive for 5 years or more after diagnosis.

Oligodendroglioma grade 3 prognosis (high grade)

A grade 3 oligodendroglioma is also called an anaplastic oligodendroglioma. About 30 to 38% of people with this type of tumour will survive for 5 years or more after they are diagnosed.

Read more about oligodendroglioma brain tumour types and treatments.

The figures listed above are given in 5 year intervals. This is because doctors use 1, 2, 5 and 10 year intervals for research/measuring purposes. They are not meant to represent how long a person will live past those intervals. For example, a patient who is a 5 year survivor might live as long as any other healthy person, depending on their circumstances.

It is important to remember that statistics and averages cannot tell you what will happen to you specifically.

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Receiving information about a brain tumour prognosis

Different people approach their prognosis in different ways.

• Some do not want to know, because they are afraid of what they might hear and how it may affect them
• Some just need some time to cope with their diagnosis before asking about their prognosis
• Others may want to know from the beginning, using their prognosis to plan ahead

There is no right or wrong answer as to whether or when to receive such information. It is entirely up to you whether or when you want to speak to your doctor about your prognosis.

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