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Luke was diagnosed with an inoperable high-grade glioma and died three years after his diagnosis (Pic: Brain Tumour Research/SWNS)
A 6-year-old boy died due to a deadly brain tumour after his weight more than doubled in just 16 months. Luke Poga’s mother, Sam, said she initially thought the boy's rapid weight gain was due to a lack of exercise.
However, out of concern, she contacted a nutritionist for help. But thereafter, when his eyes started to become sore, he was referred to an ophthalmologist, who diagnosed him with an inoperable high-grade glioma and died three years after his diagnosis.
A change in body shape can be a sign of a brain tumour
Luke's neighbours said they had noticed continued changes in his weight. “When the children returned to school around July 2021, parents commented that Luke looked different. He was always so slight, so it was a noticeable change for everyone who knew him,” Sam told The Sun.
However, apart from a significant weight gain, Luke also had a lot of issues with his eyes and used to rub them, saying they were sore. His mother said she did feel something was wrong. “Doctors said the tumour was large but because it was diffused, they couldn’t operate. I remember feeling shocked,’ said Sam.
When he was six, Luke was already wearing clothes meant for 11-to-12-year-olds. Luke died three years after his diagnosis of glioma.
What is glioma?
A glioma is a tumour that forms when glial cells grow out of control. According to doctors, normally these cells support nerves and help your central nervous system work. Gliomas usually grow in the brain but can also form in the spinal cord.
Gliomas are highly malignant, but some can be very slow-growing. Doctors say they are primarily brain tumours and originate in brain tissue. Gliomas do not usually spread outside of the brain or spine but are life-threatening because they can:
- Be hard to reach and treat with surgery
- Grow into other areas of the brain
Who is at risk of getting a glioma?
According to doctors, while anyone can develop a glioma, the following factors may increase your risk:
Age
Gliomas are most common in older adults, over 65 years and children under 12.
Ethnicity
White people may be more likely to develop gliomas than other races.
Family history
According to doctors, some inherited genetic disorders increase your risk of gliomas.
Gender
Gliomas are slightly more common in men than women.
Radiation or toxin exposure
Repeated or prolonged exposure to radiation or certain chemicals may increase your risk.
What causes gliomas?
According to studies, changes to DNA lead to the development of brain tumours like gliomas. The genes that maintain DNA give instructions to cells about how to grow and multiply. Mutations, or changes, to the DNA in the genes can cause cells to multiply out of control.
It is also possible to inherit genetic mutations from your parents, which can occur suddenly during your lifetime.
Signs and symptoms of gliomas
A few signs and symptoms of gliomas include:
- Aphasia or problems with speaking and communicating
- Vision changes
- Cognitive issues like trouble thinking, learning, or remembering
- Difficulty walking or keeping your balance
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Weakness or numbness on one side of your body
- Nausea and vomiting
- Personality or behavioural changes
- Seizures
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