The TV star Russel Grant, best known for astrology slot on breakfast shows in the 1980s and 90s, has shared an update on his pituitary gland tumour treatment.
The TV star Russell Grant, best known for his astrology slot on breakfast shows in the 1980s and 90s, has shared an update on his pituitary gland tumour treatment after being diagnosed in 2022. The Metro reports that Grant has undergone surgery to remove a growth from the base of his brain.
The 73-year old, who is best known to younger audiences for his turn on Strictly Come Dancing in 2011 with professional partner Flavia Cacace, first opened up about his diagnosis in 2022 after admitting that he was in denial about his health. He underwent a gruelling five-hour surgery to remove the tumour that was threatening his eyesight.
Since the surgery, Grant has stayed away from the public eye until now, when he shared concerns that his diabetes might have returned.
Grant posted on social media site X: “Morning. The latest news on my post pituitary brain tumour operation is the possibility I have returned to being diabetic. I was once Type 2 but controlled it by diet. However, it’s possible taking so many steroids to keep me going they’ve increased my blood sugar. Tests today.”
Pituitary gland tumours are growths that start on the pituitary gland, which is a small organ that sits in the base of the brain, often compared to the size of a pea. The majority of these tumours begin as adenomas and can be malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous).
Both types of tumour can cause severe symptoms that impact on health and quality of life, and they may require treatment to shrink or remove them. Early diagnosis is key to ensure a good outcome, although the success of any treatment will be dependent on a range of factors such as the age and overall health of the patient.
Pituitary tumours are broadly classified into two types: non secreting tumours and secreting tumours. Non-secreting tumours don’t make hormones and are usually larger than secreting tumours, which do produce hormones that can cause endocrine disorders. However, non-secreting tumours can press on the optic nerve and potentially damage eyesight.
The pituitary gland has a range of functions so the symptoms will vary greatly between patients. Often the symptoms are related to hormonal fluctuations, including disruption to the menstrual cycles or early menopause. Children and adolescents may experience delayed puberty or sudden growth spurts.
Other symptoms include unexplained weight changes, low blood pressure, lethargy and fatigue, easy bruising of the skin, personality changes, changes to the sense of smell, nausea and vomiting, headaches, and vision changes such as blurred vision, double vision, or loss of peripheral vision.
The exact causes of these tumours are unknown, although scientists believe that in a small number of cases there may be hereditary link.
The usual treatment options for pituitary tumours include surgery, chemotherapy, or a type of radiotherapy called stereotactic radiotherapy, sometimes also called Gamma Knife surgery.
Stereotactic surgery is usually used for smaller tumours in an easily accessible part of the brain. It is not a traditional incision-based surgical procedure, but involves focusing very precisely targeted gamma rays on the tumour from multiple angles to deliberately damage the cells, leaving the surrounding healthy tissue intact.
This type of surgery can shrink the tumour and prevent regrowth, and is sometimes used if not all of the tumour can be removed surgically, or if the tumour regrows after surgery. More rarely, cancerous tumours may be treated with chemotherapy drugs or a combination of the above.
Smaller tumours that are not causing symptoms may be monitored closely for changes with MRI scans and checks on hormone levels, as part of a ‘watch and wait’ approach. If the tumour is causing hormone deficiencies, these may be addressed in some cases with hormone replacement therapy.
Living with a brain tumour can be challenging, as they can cause life changing symptoms that can disrupt careers, finances, and family life. Patients may be referred to support groups or counselling or talking therapy services for emotional support and practical advice about how to cope with their diagnosis.
After treatment, the patient may need to attend follow up appointments and rehabilitation sessions.
For more information on pituitary tumours, please contact Ms Mary Murphy of Amethyst Radiotherapy.
Centres of Excellence for Stereotactic Radiosurgery treatment of complex Brain Tumours
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