- Scott Hamilton Had Brain Surgery for Benign Tumor - Chris Gander
Olympic ice skater Scott Hamilton had brain surgery Wednesday, June 23rd in Boston for removal of a tumor. While the tumor is benign, the location proved dangerous as it was near his pituitary gland. The tumor first showed up six years ago and at the time Hamilton was treated with a Gamma Knife, which, according to People is a "procedure that bombards the tumor with high, pinpoint doses of gamma radiation."
Scott Hamilton Has Craniopharyngioma Brain Tumor
The type of tumor Hamilton has is called is called a craniopharyngioma. According to the Mayo Clinic, craniopharyngiomas are sometimes hard to pinpoint and diagnose because the patient doesn't have symptoms right away. Two to four percent of brain tumors in adults are of the craniopharyngiomas type. They are generally located at the base of the skull and can sometimes press against the optic nerve or pituitary gland. Occasionally they can also adhere to the brain.
Surgery is the usual first step in treatment for craniopharyngiomas. A trained otorhinolaryngologist and a neurosurgeon may perform the surgery in which they take a sample of the tumor to ensure that it is benign. Sometimes the craniopharyngioma can be completely removed with surgery, and other times "stereotactic radiosurgery, fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy, or another surgical procedure" may be recommended, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Hamilton Had Brain Tumor in 2004
Doctors were able to destroy Hamilton's tumor in 2004, but recently discovered that it had returned. If left untreated in the brain the tumor could have pressed against his optic nerve and caused him to go blind.
Hamilton has dealt with his share of health difficulties, fighting testicular cancer in 1997 by undergoing chemotherapy treatments. In 2009, Hamilton competed in Celebrity Apprentice to raise money for the fight against cancer. He was " fired " in the second week of the show.
Hamilton's Health Issues Have Reminded Him of the Important Things in Life
Doctors are confident that Hamilton will make a full recovery from the surgery, and be healthy enough to go home to his family next week. Hamilton is 51 years old. He and his wife, Tracie have two sons: Maxx, who is three, and Aidan, who is six.
Hamilton has always been a positive person, but dealing with these health issues has reminded him how important his family is to him. He told People, that his "level of appreciation for what I've got now has gone to a whole other level."
Sources: People, Mayo Clinic
Cherie Burbach - Cherie Burbach writes about dating, relationships, health, sports, and lifestyle. She's the author of eleven books and ebooks.
