‘How I knew I had a brain tumor’: 4 survivors share their symptoms
Headaches and seizures are common brain tumor symptoms. But they can also be caused by other medical conditions.
So, how can you tell when a symptom is due to a brain tumor? And when should you see a doctor?
For more insight, we spoke with neuro-oncologist Shiao-Pei Weathers, M.D., and four survivors, who shared their first brain tumor symptoms and what led them to see a doctor.
HeadacheShelby Espinosa had had headaches...

Guitarist’s awake craniotomy video strikes a chord with drummer facing similar diagnosis
When Adrian Rivas needed brain surgery, his doctors suggested he not only be awake in the middle of his procedure but that he also play the...
Young adult astrocytoma survivor grateful for MD Anderson's expertise
“Other doctors felt they could not operate,” says Sean O’Brien, an astrocytoma survivor. But MD Anderson neurosurgeon Frederick Lang, M.D....
What is astrocytoma, and how is it different from glioblastoma?
Astrocytoma and glioblastoma are two types of brain tumors. Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) changed how these tumors are classified.
We asked neurosurgeon Chibawanye Ene, M.D., Ph.D., to explain the different types of astrocytoma brain tumors, as well as how astrocytoma differs from glioblastoma.
What is an astrocytoma?Astrocytoma is a type of brain tumor. Astrocytoma brain tumors grow from astrocytes. An...

Brain tumor survivor thanks MD Anderson for second chance at life
On Oct. 29, 2022, David Irwin woke up in a hospital, groggy and confused. It was his 39th birthday, but it was clear this was no celebration...
Aspiring radiation oncologist faces astrocytoma
Ever since high school, Ethan Damron has wanted to be a radiation oncologist. In July 2019, he and his wife, Kendra, moved to Houston so Ethan...
Astrocytoma survivor: Why I chose MD Anderson for treatment
I believe everything happens for a reason. So, when I was diagnosed with anaplastic astrocytoma — an aggressive type of brain cancer — in...
Astrocytoma survivor: I feel lucky
How often does a brain tumor save your life? In Kellilyn Monar’s case, it may have done just that. She’d planned to be at the Route 91 Music...
Why a brain tumor survivor brought his guitar into the OR
When Robert Alvarez was diagnosed with a low-grade insular brain tumor in 2013, he decided to hope for the best and postpone treatment.
Brain tumor treatment reveals hidden artistic talent
My husband, Coleman Schoessow, draws vibrant, abstract, stream-of-consciousness art with ink on canvas. He discovered this hidden talent during...