Sen. John McCain is recovering after he underwent a procedure to remove a blood clot that revealed a malignant brain tumor. Action News Jax told you Wednesday that McCain was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer, known as glioblastoma.
The six letter word – cancer – never brings good news, yet glioblastoma, is a type is brain tumor that Dr. Robert Cavaliere, neurooncologist with Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center, said is very complicated to treat.
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“Unfortunately, primary glioblastoma are aggressive tumors. Although we are getting better in treating this disease, it’s still a very challenging disease to treat,” Cavaliere said.
McCain was diagnosed with glioblastoma as he underwent surgery to remove a blood clot at a Mayo Clinic Hospital in Phoenix. McCain also told his doctor he felt foggy, not sharp, and reported double vision at times.
Cavaliere said headaches that gradually become more frequent and more severe, along with confusion and personality changes, are all signs that someone may have a brain tumor.
“Symptoms of brain tumors are similar that we see with strokes. And that can be everything from weakness to your right side, changes in speech, and possibly a seizure,” Cavaliere said.
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Cavaliere said CT scans and MRIs may showcase a golf ball tumor, but they all vary in size, shape and location.
As he describes an X-ray, Cavaliere points out pieces.
“The white part on the outside is the area that lights up with contrast – and that’s what we consider the aggressive viable part of the tumor,” Cavaliere said.
A statement from McCain’s office said “treatment options may include a combination of chemotherapy and radiation,” things that Cavaliere agrees with, along with immediate removal of the tumor.
Cox Media Group
