Busy Philipps “grateful to be alive” after undergoing surgery to remove brain tumour
Actor Busy Philipps has said she is “grateful that I’m alive” after surgery earlier this year to remove a brain tumour discovered during a full-body MRI. The diagnosis came despite her having no obvious symptoms, although she later reflected on feeling that her brain had been “misfiring” for several years; she has since returned to work and says she is in good health.
The scan identified a grade 2 oligodendroglioma, a rare, slow-growing brain tumour, and early detection enabled surgery. Philipps nearly cancelled the scan following the death of her Dawson’s Creek co-star James Van Der Beek from bowel cancer, but her ex-husband Marc Silverstein encouraged her to attend; she has used the experience to stress that seeking medical information can be empowering.
- Busy Philipps had a rare brain tumour removed after an MRI.
- The tumour was detected early despite no clear symptoms.
- She has returned to work and says she is well.
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Brain tumours are abnormal growths in or around the brain. They vary widely: some grow quickly and others slowly, while symptoms can depend on the tumour’s size and where it is located; some are found before they cause noticeable problems.
An oligodendroglioma is a relatively rare type of brain tumour that begins in cells supporting nerve cells. Grade 2 means it is generally considered slow-growing, although it can still require specialist monitoring and treatment such as surgery.
Busy Philipps is an American actor known for television roles including Dawson’s Creek and Cougar Town. Her account has drawn attention to how scans can sometimes identify conditions unexpectedly, while decisions about screening and treatment are normally made with medical professionals.