Actor Barton Cowperthwaite, 31, diagnosed with brain cancer

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NEW YORK, Nov 12, (Agencies): In a candid Instagram post on November 10, Barton Cowperthwaite, known for his role in “Tiny Pretty Things,” revealed a challenging health diagnosis. The 31-year-old actor disclosed that he has been diagnosed with “at least” a stage 2 cancerous glioma, a type of brain tumor.

Cowperthwaite shared that the brain cancer originated from a “fairly decent sized brain tumor,” and it hadn’t spread from any other part of his body. He expressed optimism about the upcoming brain surgery, stating that doctors are confident about removing most of the tumor. He anticipated a successful operation, followed by rehabilitation, leading to a return to his normal self.

However, Cowperthwaite acknowledged that regular scans and check-ups would become a routine part of his life in the foreseeable future. Seeking second opinions, he planned to undergo surgery in the coming week and pledged to share his journey openly.

Glioma, a type of brain tumor that can be cancerous, starts in the brain or spinal cord. Mayo Clinic reports that about 33% of all brain tumors are gliomas. The severity and growth rate vary among different types of gliomas, such as astrocytoma, ependymoma, glioblastoma, and oligodendroglioma.

Common signs and symptoms of gliomas include headaches, nausea, confusion, memory loss, personality changes, weakness, numbness, vision problems, dizziness, speech difficulties, and seizures. Cowperthwaite mentioned experiencing seizures over the past eight weeks, leading to an emergency room visit and subsequent scans that revealed a “lemon-sized” glioma in his right frontal lobe.

Gliomas are categorized into four grades, with “low grade” gliomas being a traditional classification. Treatment options, including surgery, radiation, therapy, chemotherapy, and observations, depend on factors such as tumor location, symptoms, and potential benefits versus risks.

Surgery, typically the initial treatment, may involve a craniotomy to open the skull. Additional surgeries might be necessary for tumor removal or relieving pressure on the brain. Cowperthwaite’s journey emphasizes the challenges and decisions individuals face when confronting glioma diagnoses.

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