British TV presenter Davina McCall underwent neurosurgery to remove a colloid cyst – a variety of benign brain tumor.
McCall’s tumor was diagnosed by accident. In an Instagram video posted in November 2024, she explained:
A number of months ago I spoke to an organization about menopause and in return they offered me a health check-up, which I assumed was successful. However, it turned out that I had a benign brain tumor called a colloid cyst, which may be very rare – three in one million.
Colloid cysts are rare examples of fluid-filled brain tumors which might be liable for lower than 1% diagnosed brain tumors.
They develop within the ventricles – the system of fluid-containing chambers within the brain – that they produce cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Cerebrospinal fluid is ultrafiltered blood that enables nutrients and necessary chemicals to flow into in and across the brain, providing additional protection.
Normally, cerebrospinal fluid leaks back into the bloodstream, but various conditions – including cancer – can affect this. A growing tumor can block cerebrospinal fluid, so as a substitute of flowing back into the bloodstream, the fluid may begin to build up within the brain. It’s called hydrocephalus – otherwise generally known as “water in the brain”.
Because the skull resembles a stationary protective box, fluid buildup increases the pressure inside the pinnacle. It is that this increase in pressure that causes symptoms reminiscent of headaches, nausea and vomiting.
But colloid cysts are usually not the one disease that can cause such symptoms. Other types brain tumor can develop from neurons (nerve cells). Glial cellsthat support and insulate neurons may cause brain tumors to turn into more common generally known as gliomas.
Even cells that are usually not a part of the brain but surround it for extra protection can grow to be cancer. Layers of tissue called the so-called meninges (which turn into inflamed during meningitis) may grow to be meningioma. They can grow to considerable sizes. They are taken under consideration “giant” if the diameter is greater than 5 cm.
The the biggest brain tumor the recorded mass weighed 570 g, taken from a four-year-old boy in India in 2000.
Brain tumors are classified depending on whether or not they are benign – they grow but don’t spread – or malignant (cancerous) and can spread to other parts of the body. Some brain tumors may develop in consequence of the spread (metastasis) of other tumors body parts. It is more common within the breast, lungs, kidneys, colon and skin.
Symptoms
McCall appeared to have had no symptoms; nevertheless, brain tumors can cause noticeable symptoms and early recognition is crucial.
As with all cancers, the prognosis for a brain tumor varies depending on the variety of cancer, but in addition on how much it has grown or spread when it’s diagnosed. Therefore, it’s important to acknowledge any variety of cancer as soon as possible to forestall its progression.
Unfortunately, the symptoms of brain tumors are sometimes non-specific. Nauseavomiting and headaches are common symptoms. They can even be caused many other conditions.
The most suspicious headaches are people who suggest increased pressure within the brain. These headaches normally worsen once you get up within the morning, change your posture, or are accompanied by vomiting. If you notice a headache like this – or one which persists, gets worse, or changes – and any of the other symptoms I discussed, then contact your GP. Rest assured, nevertheless, that lower than 1% of headache patients will actually develop a brain tumor.
Brain tumors can also cause other general symptoms, reminiscent of changes in vision, dizziness, and latest seizures. In fact,
one in all the symptoms within the case of an urgent CT scan of the pinnacle, that is the primary epileptic seizure to envision whether a tumor is causing the seizure.
Other symptoms rely upon the placement of the tumor – as it’s going to interfere with the conventional functioning of this area of the brain. For example, if the tumor is situated inside cerebellum situated behind the brain, you could have difficulty walking steadily or may notice tremors. This is since the cerebellum is liable for controlling balance and fine-tuning body movements. If the tumor develops in temporal lobewhich processes sounds and stores memories that the patient may experience hearing or memory loss.
A diagnosis of a brain tumor can cause fear and uncertainty. McCall’s experience shows that tumors can be hidden and silent, and should only be detected by probability. However, there’s growing hope in existing and developing treatment options for various sorts of cancer.
The final take home message: at all times contact your GP in case you experience any of the above symptoms.