COMPASSIONATE ALLOWANCE INFORMATION
OLIGODENDROGLIOMA BRAIN CANCER- GRADE III
Oliogodendroglioma (OD) Brain Cancer is a rare, slow growing cancer that initially consists of oligodendrocytes, which are, cells that cover and protect nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Cancers that are located in the frontal lobe may cause weakness on one side of the body, personality or behavior changes, and difficulty with short- term memory. Cancers occurring in the temporal lobe of the brain may cause seizures or language problems. These cancers rarely metastasize outside of the nervous system. The exact cause of OD brain cancer is unknown.
DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, PHYSICAL FINDINGS, AND ICD-9-CM CODING
Diagnostic testing: Oligodendrogliomas are diagnosed using CT or MRI scans. Brain biopsy is definitive.
Physical findings: People with these cancers may present with complaints of headaches, seizures, increased intracranial pressure, and neurological deficits such as, visual loss, motor weakness, and cognitive decline.
ICD-9: 191.X Depends on the location of the tumor.
ONSET AND PROGRESSION
Oligodendrogliomas can occur at any age, but are commonly diagnosed in young and middle age adults with a median age between 40 -50 years of age. This cancer may occasionally be found in children. Because low-grade cancers are slow growing, they are often present for years before they are diagnosed; however, higher grade cancers are likely to grow more quickly.
The treatment of OD cancers depends on the size, location, and grade of cancer. Biopsy is generally performed to confirm the diagnosis and to grade the cancer. Recurrent low grade oliogodendrogliomas may be treated with a combination of surgical resection, chemotherapy and radiation.
SUGGESTED PROGRAMMATIC ASSESSMENT*
Suggested MER for evaluation:
Suggested Listings for Evaluation:
Meets listings 13.13A1 and 113.13 upon confirmed diagnosis, regardless of effectiveness of treatment.
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* Adjudicators may, at their discretion, use the Medical Evidence of Record or Listings suggested to evaluate the claim. However, the decision to allow or deny the claim rests with the adjudicator.