Glioblastoma symptoms tend to come on quickly as the growing tumour can put pressure on your brain and destroy healthy brain tissue
Michael Bolton has shared new details about a serious health diagnosis he has been navigating for nearly two years now. The Grammy-award-winning singer has glioblastoma—a form of brain cancer that is among the most common types of malignant in adults.
The 72-year-old says he initially learnt that he had glioblastoma in December 2023, and the diagnosis came after Bolton underwent emergency surgery where the doctors removed the tumour. However, a month later, he had to undergo a second brain surgery following an infection.
After completing radiation and chemotherapy treatment last year, Bolton now undergoes MRI scans every two months to monitor for any recurrence of the cancer, he said in an interview with People’s magazine. “Whenever you find yourself in any kind of challenging position, just knowing that you’re not alone going through it is a big deal,” he said.
For Bolton, the entire diagnosis and treatment have taken a toll both emotionally and physically. He says the treatment has affected his short-term memory, mobility, and speech. “You’re reaching into your resources and your resolve in a way that you never would have thought,” Bolton said. “Succumbing to the challenge is not an option. You’re really quickly drawn into a duel. I guess that’s the way you find out what you’re made of.”
What were the initial symptoms of Bolton’s cancer?
For Bolton, it all started with a severe headache along with small incidents like forgetfulness, nausea, and a fall that became early indicators of a serious condition. His daughter, Taryn, explained that seeing Bolton’s gait, they knew something was off with their dad. Talking further, she mentioned that everything going on with Michael was strange but not really so alarming and explained that they missed so much stuff.
After one of his headache episodes, an MRI was conducted, which identified a brain tumour.
What is glioblastoma?
Identified as a grade 4 brain tumour, glioblastoma starts in a type of glial cell in your brain and spinal cord known as astrocytes. Cancer cells rapidly grow and multiply and spread into other areas of your brain and spinal cord. Rarely, cancer spreads beyond these areas.
Glial cells, including astrocytes, are vital to help nerve cells function. Doctors say GBMs are the fastest-growing astrocytoma - a tumour that forms in astrocytes. Also known as glioblastoma multiforme, it is a devastating type of cancer that can result in death in fewer than six months without treatment.
Signs and symptoms of glioblastoma
A few signs and symptoms of glioblastoma may include:
- Blurred or double vision
- Headaches
- Loss of appetite
- Memory issues
- Mood or personality changes
- Muscle weakness and balance issues
- Nausea and vomiting
- Seizures
- Speech problems
- Changes in sensation and numbness or tingling
Glioblastoma symptoms tend to come on quickly as the growing tumour can put pressure on your brain and destroy healthy brain tissue.
What are the risk factors of glioblastoma?
Glioblastoma most often affects those aged 45 to 70 years. The average age at diagnosis is 64. These factors may increase your risk:
- Exposure to chemicals like pesticides, petroleum, synthetic rubber, and vinyl chloride
- Genetic, tumour-causing conditions, like neurofibromatosis, Lu-Fraumeni symptoms, and Turcot syndrome
- Previous radiation therapy to your head
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