An oligodendroglioma is a type of brain tumour. It mainly occurs in adults although, occasionally children can be affected.
Oligodendroglioma begins in cells which make up the supportive tissue in the brain, called glial cells. Tumours in these cells are called gliomas. Oligodendrogliomas are an uncommon type of glioma.
There are different types of glial cells. One type known as the oligodendrocyte produces the fatty covering of nerve tissue. Oligodendrogliomas are made up of abnormal oligodendrocytes.
These tumours are most common in the front part of the brain, the cerebrum, particularly in the frontal lobes.