Actor Barton Cowperthwaite, known for his role in “Tiny Pretty Things,” recently shared on Instagram that he has been diagnosed with stage 2 cancerous glioma. In a post on November 10, the 31-year-old revealed that the brain cancer is a result of a sizable brain tumor. He clarified that the cancer cells originated in the brain and have not spread from elsewhere in his body.
Cowperthwaite explained that the only treatment option for his condition is brain surgery. He expressed optimism, stating that doctors are confident they will be able to remove most of the tumor. After a successful operation and rehabilitation, he hopes to return to his normal self. However, he acknowledged that regular scans and check-ups will likely become a routine part of his life moving forward.
The actor and his family are currently seeking second opinions before proceeding with surgery, which is scheduled for the middle or end of next week. Cowperthwaite intends to share his journey openly on Instagram and stay connected with as many people as possible.
In his Instagram post, Cowperthwaite signed off with “All my love,” accompanied by a blue heart emoji and three photos. One photo showed him smiling in a hospital gown and throwing up a peace sign, while the other two displayed his brain scans.
Glioma is a type of brain or spinal cord tumor that develops from cells in these regions. According to Mayo Clinic, gliomas account for approximately 33% of all brain tumors. They can be malignant or cancerous, growing rapidly and potentially invading brain tissue, or benign, developing slowly.
There are different types of glioma, such as astrocytoma, ependymoma, glioblastoma, and oligodendroglioma. Some are more prevalent in adults, while others occur more frequently in children.
Symptoms of gliomas can manifest gradually and subtly, or some patients may not experience any symptoms at all. Common signs and symptoms include headaches, particularly in the morning, nausea, vomiting, confusion, memory loss, personality changes, weakness in limbs, numbness, vision problems, dizziness, speech difficulties, and seizures.
In a follow-up video on November 11, Cowperthwaite revealed that he had experienced several seizures over the past eight weeks. The most recent seizure led him to the emergency room, where doctors performed a scan. The scan revealed an abnormality, and an MRI confirmed the presence of a glioma the size of a lemon in his right frontal lobe.
The treatment for gliomas depends on factors such as the tumor’s grade, location, potential symptoms, and the benefits versus risks of treatment options. Surgery is the most common initial treatment, often involving a craniotomy to open the skull. Additional surgeries may be necessary to remove the tumor or relieve pressure on the brain. Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and observation are other potential treatment options.
