Busy Philipps has revealed that she spent six months undergoing treatment for a rare brain tumour, including two surgeries, after a scan detected the condition earlier this year.

The 47-year-old actress was diagnosed with a grade 2 oligodendroglioma in February. The slow-growing tumour was found in the frontal lobe of her brain after she underwent a full-body MRI. Philipps said she had not been aware that anything was seriously wrong before the scan.

She underwent surgery on 2 March to remove the tumour. Doctors later identified it as an oligodendroglioma, a rare type of glioma that develops from cells involved in supporting nerve cells.

Although the tumour was classified as malignant, Philipps said doctors do not currently expect her to need chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Instead, she will undergo regular scans to check for signs that the tumour has returned.

What Is An Oligodendroglioma?

An oligodendroglioma is a rare tumour of the brain or spinal cord that begins in cells called oligodendrocytes. These cells produce myelin, a substance that helps protect nerve cells and supports the transmission of electrical signals.

Oligodendrogliomas account for around 5% to 10% of all gliomas and are most commonly diagnosed in adults aged between 35 and 44, although they can occur at any age.

The tumours are graded according to how aggressively they are expected to behave. Grade 2 oligodendrogliomas are generally slow-growing and have a better prognosis than higher-grade brain tumours. However, they can still return or progress over time, meaning long-term monitoring is important.

What Are The Symptoms?

Symptoms can vary considerably depending on where the tumour develops and how large it becomes. Seizures are among the most common warning signs. Other possible symptoms include persistent headaches, changes in memory or thinking, weakness, speech difficulties, personality changes, or other neurological changes.

However, some tumours may cause few or no obvious symptoms, particularly when they are detected relatively early. This was reportedly the case for Philipps, whose tumour was discovered through imaging rather than because of a clear neurological complaint.

The absence of symptoms does not necessarily mean that a brain tumour is small or harmless. Some tumours can remain relatively silent until they affect a particular area of the brain or begin putting pressure on surrounding tissue.

How Is It Treated?

Surgery is generally the first treatment when an oligodendroglioma can be safely removed. The aim is to remove as much of the tumour as possible while protecting healthy brain tissue and neurological function. Tissue removed during surgery can also be examined to confirm the tumour's type and molecular characteristics.

Depending on factors such as tumour grade, location, molecular features, and how much tumour remains, treatment may also involve radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or other treatments. Some people with slower-growing tumours may instead undergo careful monitoring with regular MRI scans.

Philipps' case required a second operation for a different reason. During her recovery, doctors discovered a staphylococcus infection at the surgical incision, requiring another procedure. She described the setback as particularly difficult because it made her feel as though her recovery had returned to the beginning.

Despite the complications, Philipps has since spoken openly about the experience and the importance of paying attention to her health. She has said she is grateful to be alive and believes her brain no longer feels as though something is 'misfiring'.

Her experience also highlights the unpredictable nature of brain tumours. There is no single symptom that confirms an oligodendroglioma, and common complaints such as headaches are usually caused by much more routine conditions.

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