This common brain cancer is often diagnosed at around 55-years-old and there are a long list of symptoms to look out for
Best-selling author Sophie Kinsella tragically died at just 55 after she was diagnosed with a form of aggressive brain cancer that has a number of concerning symptoms to be aware of.
Kinsella was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a form of brain tumor more common in older adults, at the end of 2022. The NHS stated that this particular form of brain cancer “is the most common and most malignant primary brain tumour.”
It continued: “Glioblastoma multiforme usually spreads quickly to other parts of the brain. For this reason, these tumours are difficult to treat. It is not uncommon for them to recur after initial treatment.”
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The Shopaholic book series creator, whose real name is Madeleine Sophie Wickham, announced she had been diagnosed with cancer in April 2024. She also announced then that she had been receiving chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
According to Brain Tumour Research, glioblastoma is the most commonly diagnosed high-grade brain tumour in adults, with a short average survival rate of between 12 and 18 months, with limited treatment available.
Symptoms often begin abruptly and seizures are also relatively common for this cancer. The NHS states that symptoms include:
- headaches
- seizures (fits)
- persistently feeling sick (nausea), being sick (vomiting) and drowsiness
- mental or behavioural changes, such as memory problems or changes in personality
- progressive weakness or paralysis on one side of the body
- vision or speech problems
Tumors in specific areas can cause more unusual symptoms. Frontal lobe tumors can cause changes in mood and personality and asymmetrical weakness and seizures causing jerking.
Temporal lobe tumors can cause déjà vu, odd tastes and smells as well as dissociation and panic. Seizures may see patients looking vacant, chewing, swallowing or making hand movements. Memory and speech can also be affected.
Parietal Lobe Tumours can cause loss of sensation and or power on one side. Seizures may see people struggle to speak or understand
Cerebellar Tumours cause problems with balance and co-ordination, swallowing, double vision and weakness in the limbs.
Surgical removal remains the first port of call for treatment. However, this tumor looks very similar to normal brain tissue which makes it very difficult to completely remove.
Radiotherapy rarely cures glioblastoma, but studies show that it doubles the median survival of patients, compared to supportive care alone.
Source: Mirror
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