Oligoastrocytoma

This article's factual accuracy may be compromised due to out-of-date information. The reason given is: Per the 2021 update of the WHO classification, almost any oligoastrocytoma can be classified as either astrocytoma or oligodendroglioma via genetic testing. Oligoastrocytoma is reserved for tumors with incomplete diagnostics. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. (August 2021)

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Oligoastrocytoma
A oligoastrocytoma on CT
Specialty	Neuro-oncology

Oligoastrocytomas are a subset of brain tumors that present with an appearance of mixed glial cell origin, astrocytoma and oligodendroglioma.^[1] However, the term "Oligoastrocytoma" is now considered obsolete by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network^[2] stating "the term should no longer be used as such morphologically ambiguous tumors can be reliably resolved into astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas with molecular testing."

These types of glial cells that become cancerous are involved with insulating and regulating the activity of neuron cells in the central nervous system. Often called a "mixed glioma", about 2.3% of all reported brain tumors are diagnosed as oligoastrocytoma.^{[citation needed]} The median age of diagnosis is 42.5. ^{[citation needed]} Oligoastrocytomas, like astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas, can be divided into low-grade and anaplastic variant, the latter characterized by high cellularity, conspicuous cytologic atypism, mitotic activity and, in some cases, microvascular proliferation and necrosis.

However, lower grades can have less aggressive biology.

These are largely supratentorial tumors of adulthood that favor the frontal and temporal lobes.