Sue Perkins health: ‘I’ve been through a very dark time’ – presenter on brain tumour – Daily Express

The comedy actress, broadcaster and writer who is appearing on ITV's Blankety Blank tonight [Saturday, November 27] was left destroyed when she found out that she had a brain tumour. After medical examinations, the star was told that doctors had found a tiny little rice-shaped tumour in her pituitary gland which was going to make a big difference on her life.

Considering the impact the diagnosis had on her, Sue remembers every detail about how, when and where she was told about her tumour.

She said that she was in a very clinical white sideroom whilst filming the Supersizers - a show that tracks the impact of eating unusual food.

She continued to say: In this small, very clinical white side room, this woman said your bloods are very awry and you have a brain tumour.

The Mayo Clinic explains that pituitary tumours are abnormal growths. There are two types of tumor - ones that produce hormones (secreting), and ones that do not (non-secreting).

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The pituitary gland is crucial in regulating important functions within the body, and abnormalities within hormones can cause multiple side effects.

Cancer.netexplains that some people do not experience any signs or symptoms of a tumour, but those who do often experience the following:

More seriously, individuals can experience either Cushings syndrome a combination of weight gain, high blood pressure, diabetes, and easy bruising that is caused by overproduction of the hormone ACTH or a condition known as acromegaly, which is the enlargement of the arms or legs, and thickening of the skull and jaw, caused by too much growth hormone.

For Sue, the worst thing that she has had to come to terms with is the possibility that she may never have children. With infertility being one of the symptoms, as well as hormone imbalance, the star soon discovered that giving birth may not be something she ever gets to experience.

Eye tests and blood tests are both ways in which tumours are detected. According to Cancer Research UK, around eight percent of brain tumours diagnosed between 2006 and 2010 were pituitary tumours.

Despite sounding severe, most pituitary tumors do not require treatment. Surgery is only carried out when the tumour is large in size, is growing rapidly, is pressing on the optic nerve, or is overproducing certain hormones.

Due to the tricky location of the tumour, the abnormal growth is either removed through the nose and sinuses, or through the upper part of the skull via an incision in the scalp.

After surgery, individuals may have to have a series of radiation therapy in order to stop the tumour from returning. Macmillan cancer support can be reached on 080 8808 0000 if you or someone you know needs support with a recent brain tumour diagnosis.

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Sue Perkins health: 'I've been through a very dark time' - presenter on brain tumour - Daily Express