What can Davina McCall’s colloid cyst removal tell us about brain tumors?

British TV presenter Davina McCall underwent neurosurgery to remove a colloid cyst – a type of benign brain tumor.

McCall’s tumor was diagnosed by accident. In an Instagram video posted in November 2024, she explained:

A few months ago I spoke to a company about menopause and in return they offered me a health check-up, which I thought was a success. However, it turned out that I had a benign brain tumor called a colloid cyst, which is very sporadic – three in a million.

Colloid cysts are sporadic examples of fluid-filled brain tumors that are responsible for less than 1% diagnosed brain tumors.

They develop in the ventricles – the system of fluid-containing chambers in the brain – that they produce cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Cerebrospinal fluid is ultrafiltered blood that allows nutrients and significant chemicals to circulate in and around 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 instead of flowing back into the bloodstream, the fluid may begin to accumulate in the brain. It’s called hydrocephalus – otherwise known as “water in the brain”.

Because the skull resembles a stationary protective box, fluid buildup increases the pressure inside the head. It is this boost in pressure that causes symptoms such as headaches, nausea and vomiting.

But colloid cysts are not the only 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 become more common known as gliomas.

Even cells that are not part of the brain but surround it for extra protection can develop into cancer. Layers of tissue called the so-called meninges (which become inflamed during meningitis) may develop into meningioma. They can grow to considerable sizes. They are taken into account “giant” if the diameter is more than 5 cm.

The the largest brain tumor the recorded mass weighed 570 g, removed from a four-year-old boy in India in 2000.

Brain tumors are classified depending on whether they are benign – they grow but do not spread – or malignant (cancerous) and can spread to other parts of the body. Some brain tumors may develop as a result of the spread (metastasis) of other tumors body parts. It is more common in the breast, lungs, kidneys, colon and skin.

Symptoms

McCall appeared to have had no symptoms; however, 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 type of cancer, but also on how much it has grown or spread when it is diagnosed. Therefore, it is significant to recognize any type of cancer as soon as possible to prevent its progression.

Unfortunately, the symptoms of brain tumors are often non-specific. Nauseavomiting and headaches are common symptoms. They can also be caused many other conditions.

The most suspicious headaches are those that suggest increased pressure in the brain. These headaches usually get worse when you wake up in the morning, change your posture, or are accompanied by vomiting. If you notice a headache like this – or one that persists, gets worse, or changes – and any of the other symptoms I mentioned, then contact your GP. Rest assured, however, that less than 1% of headache patients will actually develop a brain tumor.

Brain tumors can also cause other general symptoms, such as changes in vision, dizziness, and novel seizures. In fact,
one of the indicators in the case of an urgent CT scan of the head, this is the first epileptic seizure to check whether a tumor is causing the seizure.

Other symptoms depend on the location of the tumor – as it will interfere with the normal functioning of this area of ​​the brain. For example, if the tumor is located within cerebellum located in the back of the brain, you may have difficulty walking steadily or may notice tremors. This is because the cerebellum is responsible 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 mute, and may only be detected by chance. However, there is growing hope in existing and developing treatment options for various types of cancer.

The final take home message: always contact your GP if you experience any of the above symptoms.