A 22-year-old British woman, Moli Morgon, experienced two seizures while on holiday in Turkey, initially thought to be caused by heatstroke. However, further tests after her return revealed a 4cm glioma, a cancerous brain tumor on the left side of her brain.

Gliomas develop when glial cells, which support nerve cells, grow uncontrollably, often forming tumors in the brain or spinal cord. Gliomas are the most common brain tumors in adults. While anyone can develop a glioma, factors such as age, genetics, and environmental exposure may increase risk. These tumors can range from slow-growing to aggressive and may be life-threatening due to their location and difficult to treat.

Symptoms vary but often include headaches, seizures, cognitive difficulties, and changes in vision or speech. Understanding gliomas is crucial for early detection and treatment.

As reported by the BBC, Moli Morgon experienced two seizures while on holiday in Turkey with her boyfriend, without any warning signs before or during the trip. Although she had a migraine earlier but didn’t think it was a big deal and felt fine before the seizures happenedAt first, a doctor at the resort thought her seizures were caused by heatstroke because of the hot weather and not drinking enough water.

However, after she returned home and had further tests, doctors found a 4cm cancerous brain tumor on the left side of her brain.

A glioma is a type of tumor that occurs when glial cells, which support and protect nerve cells, grow uncontrollably. These tumors typically develop in the brain, but can also occur in the spinal cord. Gliomas are cancerous and can range from slow-growing to aggressive. As primary brain tumors, they originate in the brain tissue and tend to stay localized, but can still be life-threatening due to their potential to be difficult to treat surgically and infiltrate surrounding brain tissue.

The symptoms of gliomas can vary depending on the location and size of the tumor. Gliomas can cause a range of symptoms including:

Gliomas can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications, including:

Anyone can develop a glioma, but certain factors may increase the risk. These include:

Gliomas are believed to be caused by DNA changes that disrupt normal cell growth and multiplication. Genes, which contain DNA, provide instructions to cells on how to grow and divide.

When genetic mutations occur, cells can multiply uncontrollably, leading to tumor formation. These mutations can be inherited from parents or occur spontaneously during a person's lifetime.

While some glioma risk factors can't be controlled, there are steps you can take to potentially reduce your risk. Consider:- Genetic testing if you have a family history of brain tumours- Limiting radiation exposure to your head- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle Consult with your healthcare provider or a genetic counselor to discuss the benefits and risks of genetic testing and develop a personalised plan for reducing your risk. Also read | Running on 4-5 hours of sleep? Know about Short Sleep Syndrome and its symptoms