Davina McCall is having brain surgery today
TV personality Davina McCall, known from Big Brother and The Masked Singer, has shared the news that she will be undergoing brain surgery today – 15 November.
She took to Instagram to open up about her diagnosis, revealing that she has a 14mm colloid cyst which was found by chance in a recent health scan.
After seeing multiple neurosurgeons, she decided that she would need to have the cyst removed before it grows any bigger.
To do this, she is having a craniotomy to drain and remove the cyst. She expects to spend nine days in hospital before further recovery at home.
In her video, Davina assured her followers that she is OK and in good sprits, despite what she’s going through.
She also mentioned that she has a lot of faith in her medical team and is focused on ‘getting better’ following the procedure.
As someone who has had a craniotomy, Andy Tudor our Involvement Champion, spoke to ITV News to offer reassurance to anyone undergoing a similar procedure. He said: “Going into hospital was really scary, the thought of someone operating on my brain was just so traumatic. The reality was much better and I woke up feeling fine and just so thrilled to have got through it all unscathed.”
You can find out more in this BBC coverage of Davina McCall’s story.
The Brain Tumour Charity supports Davina McCall
All of us at The Charity wish Davina the best possible outcome for this procedure.
As an inspiration to so many, we’re grateful that she has chosen to raise awareness of this uniquely devastating disease.
We are committed to funding pioneering research, campaigning for systemic change and offering support to all those whose lives are turned upside down by a brain tumour diagnosis.
What is a colloid cyst?
A colloid cyst is a growth in the brain that is a sphere filled with fluid — much like a balloon filled with water – that is typically found in the central area of the brain.
In most cases these cysts are described as benign, which means non-cancerous. But, even if they are not cancerous, they can be dangerous, particularly if they grow or form in areas of the brain that control important bodily functions.
Symptoms can include headaches, memory problems and nausea.
Get the support you need
If you have been affected by a brain tumour diagnosis, whether that be your own or a loved one’s, The Brain Tumour Charity offers a wealth of support, information, and resources. We are here to help through each stage of your journey.
Our helplines are open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. You can call us on 0808 800 0004 or email support@thebraintumourcharity.org