British TV presenter Davina McCall has undergone neurosurgery to remove a colloid cyst, a sort of benign brain tumour.
McCall was diagnosed with the tumor by probability. In an Instagram video posted in November 2024, he explained:
A couple of months ago, I did a menopause talk for an organization and so they offered me a health scan in return, which I assumed I used to be going to do twenty-one. But it turned out I had a benign brain tumor called a colloid cyst, which is amazingly rare – three in one million.
Colloid cyst There are rare examples of fluid-filled brain tumors, which cause Less than 1% Diagnosis of brain tumors
They develop within the ventricles – the fluid containing chamber system throughout the brain – that's created. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF is ultra-filtered blood that permits nutrients and vital chemicals to flow into in and across the brain, providing additional protection.
Normally, CSF drains back into the bloodstream, but various conditions — including tumors — can affect this. A growing tumor can obstruct the CSF, so, as an alternative of draining back into the bloodstream, the fluid can begin to build up contained in the brain. It known as Hydrocephalus – otherwise often known as “water on the brain”.
Because the skull is like an immovable protective box, the buildup of fluid increases the pressure inside the top. It is the rise in pressure that causes symptoms equivalent to headache, nausea and vomiting.
But colloid cysts aren't the one condition that may cause these symptoms. Other types of brain tumors can develop from Neuron (nerve cells). glial cellwhich support and insulate neurons, can form more common brain tumors. known as gliomas.
Even cells that usually are not a part of the brain, but are wrapped around it for added protection, can turn into tumors. The layers of tissue are called Meninges (which grow to be inflamed in meningitis) can turn into meningiomas. These can grow to significant sizes. They are considered. “giant” If the diameter is greater than 5 cm.
gave The largest brain tumor The largest on record was 570 grams, which was faraway from a four-year-old boy in India in 2000.
Brain tumors are classified by whether or not they are benign – growing, but not spreading – or malignant (cancerous), and are capable of spread to other parts of the body. Some brain tumors can arise from the spread (metastases) of other cancers. body parts. It often occurs within the breast, lungs, kidneys, colon, and skin.
Symptoms
McCall appears to have been symptom-free. However, brain tumors can trigger significant symptoms – and it's essential to acknowledge them early.
Like all cancers, the prognosis for brain tumors varies in keeping with the sort of tumor – but additionally how far it has grown or spread when diagnosed. After that, it will be important to detect any sort of cancer as early as possible to stop the expansion.
Unfortunately, symptoms related to brain tumors are sometimes nonspecific. Nauseavomiting and headache are all common symptoms. It can be attributable to them. Many other situations.
The most suspected headaches are people who suggest increased pressure within the brain. These headaches are worse with getting up within the morning, changing posture, or vomiting. If you experience the sort of headache – or one which is constant, worsening or changing – and any of those Other symptoms As I discussed, then contact your GP. However, rest assured that lower than 1% of patients with headaches will even have a brain tumor.
Brain tumors may cause other common symptoms, equivalent to changes in vision, dizziness and the onset of latest seizures. in actual fact,
One of the indicators An urgent CT head scan is the primary epileptic visit to find out if a tumor is the underlying reason for the suits.
Other symptoms rely on where the tumor is situated – as it should interfere with the traditional function of that area of the brain. For example, if the tumor is situated inside The cerebellum In the back of the brain, the patient could have difficulty walking steadily, or may feel wobbly. This is since the cerebellum is accountable for controlling balance and fine-tuning body movements. If a tumor develops. temporal lobewhich processes sounds and stores memories, the patient may experience. Hearing or memory loss.
A diagnosis of a brain tumor may cause fear and uncertainty. McCall's experience shows that tumors might be hidden and silent and located only by probability. But there's growing hope in existing and developing treatment options for various tumor types.
The final take-home message: Always see your GP for those who experience any of the above symptoms.