Latest news with #astrocytoma
BBC News
2 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
West Hanney man's brain tumour grew 'for more than a decade'
"I woke up eventually to what looked like two green aliens."When Charlie Broadhurst went to bed early with a mild sickness bug and a tingling in his lip in January 2022 he was actually woken by paramedics in their green married father-of-two from West Hanney had experienced a seizure and was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital in was referred to an epilepsy clinic, but unbeknown to everyone he had a brain tumour, and doctors had already missed it. Previously Charlie had been experiencing headaches, but following an MRI scan in 2011 he was told it was a sinus infection, though he was advised to visit his optician."I kind of left it and when I did have a headache made sure I was wearing my glasses a little bit more," he tells the the seizure in 2022 he was booked in for another MRI."They were quite confident there was nothing to worry about, and then I got the phone call about six weeks later that there was something to worry about," he was diagnosed with a grade II astrocytoma, a brain tumour that had been visible on a CT scan in 2011, and had grown undetected for more than a decade."The hospital were very quick and honest," Charlie explains."It was very small and they admitted straight away that they missed it."But he said the doctors had since "been brilliant the whole way through". Charlie has undergone brain surgery twice, and a good amount of the tumour has been successfully also had six weeks of daily radiotherapy and six months of chemotherapy, which he describes as "really hard going."He now has scans every six months to monitor the tumour. Charlie's wife Siobhan says finding out about it was "terrifying".But she says: "We very much got on with it... I think it has taken its toll on our children because for two years through the treatment life's a bit chaotic."Siobhan has been taking part in fundraising ever since "because we need more awareness, more research, and ultimately more hope".She is about to take part in the 88 Squats a Day in July challenge for Brain Tumour Jones, head of community and digital fundraising at the charity, said: "Stories like Charlie's highlight the urgent need for more research into brain tumours, which remain the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40 in the UK." "At the moment it's all positive stuff, the tumour's stable, but the type of tumour it is, at some point it won't be great news," Charlie says."But what we're doing is making the most of everything and focussing on those six-month scans, and doing anything the doctors tell me to do, and keeping my two boys happy, and doing everything we can with them." You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X, or Instagram.
Health Line
25-06-2025
- Health
- Health Line
Anaplastic Astrocytoma
This rare, aggressive type of cancerous brain tumor can cause headaches, seizures, and changes in behavior or cognitive (thinking) function. Treatment involves surgery combined with radiation and chemotherapy. Astrocytomas are a type of brain tumor. They develop in star-shaped brain cells called astrocytes, which form part of the tissue that protects the nerve cells in your brain and spinal cord. Astrocytomas are classified by their grade — grade 1 and 2 astrocytomas grow slowly, while grade 3 and 4 astrocytomas grow faster and more aggressively. An anaplastic astrocytoma is a grade 3 astrocytoma. While rare, this type of cancerous tumor can be very serious without treatment. Keep reading to learn more about anaplastic astrocytomas, including their symptoms and the survival rates of people who have them. What are the symptoms? The symptoms of an anaplastic astrocytoma can vary based on exactly where the tumor is, but generally include: headaches lethargy or drowsiness nausea or vomiting behavioral changes memory loss seizures vision problems coordination and balance problems What causes it? Researchers aren't sure what causes anaplastic astrocytomas. However, they may be associated with: genetic abnormalities immune system abnormalities environmental factors, such as exposure to UV rays and certain chemicals lifestyle factors, such as diet or stress People with certain genetic disorders, such as neurofibromatosis type I (NF1), Li-Fraumeni syndrome, or tuberous sclerosis, have a higher risk of developing anaplastic astrocytoma. If you've had radiation therapy on your brain, you may also be at a higher risk. How is it diagnosed? Anaplastic astrocytomas are rare, so your doctor will start by discussing your medical history and performing a physical exam to identify any other possible causes of your symptoms. They may also use a neurological exam to see how your nervous system is working. This usually involves testing your balance, coordination, and reflexes. You may be asked to answer some basic questions so they can evaluate your speech and mental clarity. If your doctor thinks you may have a tumor, they'll likely use imaging such as an MRI scan or CT scan to examine a picture of your brain. If you do have an anaplastic astrocytoma, these images will also show its size and exact location. In some cases, doctors use a PET scan or SPECT scan. These metabolic scans look at cellular activity in the brain rather than the detailed anatomy seen on an MRI. These tests can sometimes be helpful for assessing tumor cells. A biopsy may also be part of the diagnostic process and can involve removing as much of the tumor as possible. How is it treated? There are several options for treating an anaplastic astrocytoma, depending on the size, location, and grade of the tumor. Surgery Surgery is usually the first step in treating an anaplastic astrocytoma. In some cases, your doctor may be able to remove all or as much of the tumor as possible. However, anaplastic astrocytomas may grow in areas of the brain that are not safe or accessible for surgery, so your doctor may only be able to safely remove part of the tumor. Tumor cells that remain because they were not identified or were surgically inaccessible can grow quickly after surgery. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy If your tumor can't be removed with surgery or was only partially removed, you may need follow-up treatment. Radiation therapy destroys cells, especially rapidly dividing cancer cells. This will help shrink the tumor or destroy some or all of the cells that weren't removed during surgery. Anticancer drugs are referred to as chemotherapy and may be used with or after radiation therapy to continue treatment. Some people may also be treated with: epilepsy medication hydrocephalus treatment steroids physical therapy Survival rate and life expectancy According to the American Cancer Society, the 5-year relative survival rate for people with an anaplastic astrocytoma is as follows: 58% for those ages 22 to 44 29% for those ages 45 to 54 15% for those ages 55 to 64 The relative survival rate suggests how long someone with a condition may live after their diagnosis compared to those without the condition of the same race, sex, and age over a specific time. This is different from the overall survival rate, which is a percentage of people still alive for a specific time after diagnosis of a condition. It's most important to remember that these figures are estimates, and everyone is different. You can talk with your doctor about your specific condition. Several factors can affect your survival rate, including: the size, location, and grade of your tumor whether the tumor was completely or partially removed with surgery whether the tumor is new or recurring your overall health Your doctor can give you a better idea of your outlook based on these factors. The takeaway Anaplastic astrocytoma is a rare, aggressive type of cancerous brain tumor. Symptoms can vary but often include headache, seizures, and changes in behavior or cognitive function.
Medscape
02-06-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Brain Tumors Clinical Practice Guidelines (2025)
Editorial Note: These are some of the highlights of the guidelines without analysis or commentary. For more information, go directly to the guidelines by clicking the link in the reference. Updated guidelines on therapy of adult diffuse astrocytic and oligodendroglial tumors were published in April 2025 by the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the Society for Neuro-Oncology in the Journal of Clinical Oncology .[1] In patients with oligodendroglioma that is IDH -mutant, 1p19q co-deleted, central nervous system (CNS) World Health Organization (WHO) grade 2, offer radiation in combination with procarbazine, lomustine (CCNU), and vincristine (PCV). If toxicity is a concern, temozolomide is a reasonable alternative to PCV. Consider offering vorasidenib to patients who have oligodendroglioma that is IDH -mutant, 1p19q codeleted, CNS WHO grade 2; who have undergone one or more surgeries; and in whom further treatment with radiation and chemotherapy has been or can be deferred. In astrocytoma that is IDH -mutant, 1p19q non-codeleted, CNS WHO grade 2, initial radiation therapy and chemotherapy (with temozolomide or PCV) may be deferred until radiographic or symptomatic progression in some patients with favorable prognostic factors (eg, complete resection, younger age) or concerns about short- and long-term toxicity. Consider offering vorasidenib in patients who have astrocytoma that is IDH -mutant, 1p19q non-codeleted, CNS WHO grade 2; who have undergone one or more surgeries; and in whom further treatment with radiation and chemotherapy has been or can be deferred. For more information, please go to Brain Neoplasms.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Weightlifter, 31, diagnosed with "deadly" brain tumour
A weightlifter ended up in a coma and was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumour after ignoring "warning sign" headaches and nosebleeds - he put down to working long hours and heavy gym training. Scott Hinch, 31, led a fit and active lifestyle and - despite "experiencing a few headaches and nosebleeds" - had no significant health problems. But on his way to work on August 19, 2019, he suffered a seizure and was rushed to Nevill Hall Hospital in Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, Wales. He was put in an induced four-day coma and, after waking up, an MRI revealed a grade 2 astrocytoma - a type of tumour that usually develops in the brain or spinal cord - and he was given three to five years to live. Scott before his diagnosis. A fit mountain climber was diagnosed with cancer after experiencing a seizure - despite ignoring headaches and nosebleeds, he now believes to have been warning signs. (Image: Brain Tumour Research Charity / SWNS) On September 4, Scott underwent emergency surgery to partially remove the tumour and started his first round of treatment to keep the cancer at bay - which will entail seven weeks of radiotherapy and 12 cycles of chemotherapy. But despite its initial success, Scott's cancer returned two years later, at the end of 2023, and he began his second round of treatment - which involved 20 months' worth of intensive chemotherapy, condensed into 10. He is now undergoing his third round of treatment for his tumour and says he suffers from "relentless fatigue" and that he is "dependent" on his mum, Fiona Lott, 51, because he "can't leave the house most days". Scott before his diagnosis. Now his mum is his full time carer (Image: Brain Tumour Research Charity / SWNS) Scott, who worked as a solar engineer from Abergavenny, Wales, said: "Looking back, I now realise there were signs. "Headaches, nosebleeds, things I chalked up to long work hours. "Maybe heavy training at the gym and not drinking enough water. "I even went to the opticians, but nothing was picked up. "Most days, I can't leave the house. "But I'm still here, and that's something I'm grateful for." Scott was diagnosed with a grade 2 astrocytoma after suffering a seizure on his way to work on August 19, 2019, despite experiencing "headaches and nosebleeds" in the months prior. Although the general prognosis is good, and those with grade 1 have a 96 per cent chance of survival after five years, it can decrease to below 30 per cent for those with grade 3 or higher. Scott woke from a four-day coma induced coma - after 45 minutes of continuous seizures - when a consultant told him the "devastating" news that he had three to five years to live. "I had no memory of anything since leaving the house," he said. "I had four days completely missing, I remember setting off for work and then waking up in the hospital with doctors and nurses over my bed. "It was frightening. "I was shocked and scared and didn't know what was going on.' The consultant at the University Hospital of Wales, in Cardiff, Wales, explained to Scott and his family that due to the tumour's diffused nature, only part of it could be safely removed - called debulking - which happened on September 4. "I was terrified," Scott said. "But I woke up a couple of hours later, cracked a joke, and asked for a cup of tea. "It was a relief to know my brain function was intact." After the surgery, Scott went through 16 "gruelling" months of therapy - including seven weeks of radiotherapy and 12 cycles of chemotherapy - which had kept things stable for two years. But a routine scan towards the end of 2023 revealed the tumour was active again and Scott started his second round of treatment with intensive chemotherapy - with no success in curing the cancer. "I take it one month at a time," he said. "The fatigue is relentless and most days I can't leave the house." His mum, Fiona, became his full-time carer and was "dependent on her" for everything. During this time, the 31-year-old had lost his driving license as a result of his seizures and sold his car. "I felt like losing my independence," he said. "I couldn't visit friends, and the risk of infection meant limited visitors. "I felt incredibly isolated." Scott during his treatment for a brain tumour (Image: Brain Tumour Research Charity / SWNS) Five years later, Scott is still battling cancer and is now undergoing his third round of treatment. But he remains determined. "I'm still here, and that's something I'm grateful for," he said. To help raise awareness, his mum, Fiona, and auntie, Lyndsey, are taking on the 200k in May Your Way challenge to raise money for the Brain Tumour Research Charity. Fiona said: "Watching my son go through the trauma of surgery and three rounds of treatment for brain cancer has been heartbreaking. "No family should have to experience the fear, uncertainty and pain that we have. "We need better outcomes, kinder treatments, and ultimately a cure. "If our efforts can help spare just one family from this suffering, then every step will be worth it.' To support Fiona and Lyndsey's 200k In May Your Way challenge, visit:
The Sun
16-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
‘Fit and healthy' man, 31, given years to live reveals the first sign of killer that he blamed on ‘working long hours'
A FIT and healthy weightlifter chalked up red flag symptoms to "working long hours" and "not drinking enough water" - but was given just years to live after a terrifying seizure landed him in a coma. Scott Hinch, 31, led a fit and active lifestyle and had no significant health problems - aside from "experiencing a few headaches and nosebleeds". 10 10 But on his way to work on August 19, 2019, he suffered a seizure and was rushed to Nevill Hall Hospital in Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, Wales. He was put in an induced four-day coma after the seizures continued for 45 minutes. After waking up, an MRI revealed a grade 2 astrocytoma - a type of tumour that usually develops in the brain or spinal cord - and he was given just three to five years to live. Scott realised the headaches and nosebleeds he'd experienced over the last few months were in fact warnings signs of the cancer. On September 4, Scott underwent emergency surgery to partially remove the tumour and started aggressive radiotherapy and chemotherapy to keep the cancer at bay. But despite its initial success, Scott's cancer returned two years later, at the end of 2023, and he began his second round of treatment - which involved 20 months' worth of intensive chemotherapy, condensed into 10. He is now undergoing his third round of treatment for his tumour and says he suffers from "relentless fatigue" and that he is "dependent" on his mum, Fiona Lott, 51, because he "can't leave the house most days". Scott, who worked as a solar engineer from Abergavenny, Wales, said: "Looking back, I now realise there were signs. "Headaches, nosebleeds, things I chalked up to long work hours. "Maybe heavy training at the gym and not drinking enough water. "I even went to the opticians, but nothing was picked up. "Most days, I can't leave the house. "But I'm still here, and that's something I'm grateful for." Scott was diagnosed with a grade 2 astrocytoma after suffering a seizure on his way to work on August 19, 2019. 10 10 Although the general prognosis is good - people with a grade 1 have a 96 per cent chance of survival after five years - it can decrease to below 30 per cent for those with grade 3 or higher. Scott woke from a four-day coma induced coma when a consultant told him the "devastating" news that he had three to five years to live. "I had no memory of anything since leaving the house," he said. "I had four days completely missing, I remember setting off for work and then waking up in the hospital with doctors and nurses over my bed. "It was frightening. "I was shocked and scared and didn't know what was going on." Symptoms of astrocytoma Astrocytoma is a common type of primary brain tumour, which means it starts in the brain instead of spreading there. Astrocytomas start in stem cells, which eventually develop in to one of the different types of brain cells, such as astroctyes. Astrocytes are brain cells that connect and support nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. As astrocytes are found throughout the brain, astrocytomas can occur in many different areas of the brain. These tumours grow from cells that are vital in processing information in the brain, so they can disrupt the function of whichever area of the brain they are growing in. Some of these tumours grow in the cerebellum, which controls balance. They can also occur in the optic pathways, which are involved in sight. So, symptoms can be very different between people affected by these tumours. That being said, common astrocytoma symptoms could include: Headaches Difficulty speaking Change in vision, like double vision or blurriness Cognitive difficulties, like trouble thinking or remembering Seizures (epilepsy) Source: The Brain Tumour Charity The consultant at the University Hospital of Wales, in Cardiff, Wales, explained to Scott and his family that due to the tumour's diffused nature, only part of it could be safely removed. The procedure took place on September 4 and Scott recalled being "terrified". "But I woke up a couple of hours later, cracked a joke, and asked for a cup of tea," he said. "It was a relief to know my brain function was intact." 'Relentless fatigue' After the surgery, Scott went through 16 "gruelling" months of therapy - including seven weeks of radiotherapy and 12 cycles of chemotherapy - which kept things stable for two years. But a routine scan towards the end of 2023 revealed the tumour was active again and Scott started his second round of treatment with intensive chemotherapy - with no success in curing the cancer. "I take it one month at a time," he said. "The fatigue is relentless and most days I can't leave the house." His mum, Fiona, became his full-time carer and was "dependent on her" for everything. During this time, the 31-year-old had lost his driving licence as a result of his seizures and sold his car. "I felt like losing my independence," he said. "I couldn't visit friends, and the risk of infection meant limited visitors. "I felt incredibly isolated." 10 10 'Still here' Five years later, Scott is still battling cancer and is now undergoing his third round of treatment. But he remains determined. "I'm still here, and that's something I'm grateful for," he said. To help raise awareness, his mum, Fiona, and auntie, Lyndsey, are taking on the 200k in May Your Way challenge to raise money for the Brain Tumour Research Charity. Fiona said: "Watching my son go through the trauma of surgery and three rounds of treatment for brain cancer has been heartbreaking. "No family should have to experience the fear, uncertainty and pain that we have. "We need better outcomes, kinder treatments, and ultimately a cure. "If our efforts can help spare just one family from this suffering, then every step will be worth it." You can support Fiona and Lyndsey's 200k In May Your Way challenge here. 10
