Grey's Anatomy actress Kate Walsh recently spoke out about the 'subtle' symptoms that led to her brain tumour diagnosis. She opened up during an interview with Kelly Clarkson on her hit talk show, stressing how vital early cancer detection can be and sharing the warning signs she encountered.
Famous for her portrayal of Dr Addison Montgomery on the esteemed ABC series, Kate was diagnosed in 2015 with a benign brain tumour, reports . "Thankfully, it turned out to be benign, so I was very, very fortunate," she expressed to Kelly.
Before uncovering what was wrong, Kate noticed symptoms that were "very subtle". Explaining her experience, she said: "It was like, 'hey, I'm really tired', and then it's like, 'oh, the right side of my body is dipping'."
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Kate admits that at first, she wasn't sure if the issue was serious. Reflecting on a moment when she didn't grasp the severity, she recalled: "Walking the dog, I'm like, 'it must be a little bit of a windy street'."
She elaborated on the early signs, mentioning: "It was just sort of very subtle and then very kind of, 'it's ADD, I can't really focus. Oh, I've been scrolling too much.' That kind of stuff."
As her concerns grew, she sought medical help, which led to the discovery of her brain tumour. Now, she emphasises the importance of getting checked out sooner rather than later.
Kate Walsh opened up to Kelly about the challenges of advocating for her health, recounting how people dismissed her concerns as mere depression following the cancellation of her show. She said: "I know how important it is to advocate for one's own health because people were like, 'you're just depressed.' It was right after Bad Judge got cancelled."
She admitted people would tell her: "Your show got cancelled. You're just depressed." However, Kate was certain something was amiss, insisting: "I'm like, 'no, something's off'."
Her persistence led to a diagnosis in 2015, which she revealed publicly in 2017 during an interview with Cosmopolitan magazine. She recounted her efforts to get proper medical attention, saying: "I really pushed to see a neurologist. I just had an instinct. I had to really advocate because they don't hand out MRIs so easily."
Thankfully, her instincts were right, as she explained: "But I got an MRI and, thank God, I did because it turned out I had a very sizable brain tumour in my left frontal lobe."
Reflecting on the moment she learned of her condition, Kate shared: "I just left my body... My assistant had driven me there, and I had to go get him so that he could take notes because I was gone. It was never anything I would have imagined." Three days after the diagnosis, Walsh underwent surgery to remove the growth, which was later confirmed to be a benign meningioma.
What is a benign meningioma?According to the : "A benign (non-cancerous) brain tumour is a mass of cells that grows relatively slowly in the brain. Non-cancerous brain tumours tend to stay in one place and do not spread. It will not usually come back if all of the tumour can be safely removed during surgery.
"If the tumour cannot be completely removed, there's a risk it could grow back. In this case, it'll be closely monitored using scans or treated with radiotherapy." Non-cancerous brain tumours come in various forms, depending on which brain cells are affected.
These growths are rated from one to four, reflecting their rate of growth, potential to spread, and the chance they might return post-treatment. Benign brain tumours typically fall under grades one or two, indicating a slower growth and reduced likelihood of spreading. Although not malignant, these tumours can still present significant health threats and may even be fatal if not managed properly.
Symptoms of non-cancerous brain tumours
The symptoms of benign brain tumours can vary greatly, depending on the tumour's size and its location within the brain. Some slow-growing tumours may initially cause no symptoms at all.
However, common signs to watch for include:
The NHS advises: "See a GP if you have symptoms of a brain tumour. While it's unlikely to be a tumour, these symptoms need to be assessed by a doctor. The GP will examine you and ask about your symptoms. They may also test your nervous system. If the GP thinks you may have a brain tumour, or they're not sure what's causing your symptoms, they'll refer you to a brain and nerve specialist called a neurologist."
The exact causes of most benign brain tumours remain a mystery, but certain factors may increase your risk of developing one. If you're over the age of 50, have a family history of brain tumours or you've had radiotherapy.
Also, if you have a genetic condition that heightens your risk of developing a non-cancerous brain tumour – such as neurofibromatosis type 1, neurofibromatosis type 2, tuberous sclerosis, Turcot syndrome, Li-Fraumeni cancer syndrome, von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, and Gorlin syndrome.
Treatment for a non-cancerous brain tumour can vary depending on its type and location. Surgery is typically the go-to method to remove most non-cancerous tumours, and they generally do not return post-removal.
However, there are cases where tumours may regrow or become malignant. If total removal isn't feasible, additional treatments like radiotherapy and chemotherapy might be required to control the growth of any remaining abnormal cells.
Post-treatment, some individuals may face ongoing issues, such as seizures or difficulties with speech and mobility. Supportive care can prove beneficial in aiding recovery from or adjustment to these challenges.
Many people eventually resume their regular activities, including work and sports, although this process can take time. Speaking with a counsellor to discuss the emotional aspects of your diagnosis and treatment could be beneficial.
The Brain Tumour Charity has links to , and Brain Tumour Research also has details of .
What is a malignant brain tumour ?A malignant brain tumour is a cancerous mass located in the brain. This differs from a benign brain tumour, which is non-cancerous and generally grows at a slower pace. The symptoms associated with a brain tumour vary based on its location. Common symptoms include:
See a GP if you have symptoms of a brain tumour that don't go away. It's unlikely to be a tumour, but it's best to be sure.
