The Walking Dead star Kelley Mack dies at 33 after fighting glioma, a rare brain tumour affecting thousands in the US. Photo/X.
Kelley Mack, best known for her role in the popular TV series ‘The Walking Dead,’ has died at the age of 33 after a prolonged battle with glioma, a rare and aggressive form of brain tumour.
The condition, which reportedly makes up around 25% of brain tumour cases in the United States, is often difficult to detect and treat.
Glioma is a type of tumour that originates when glial cells begin to grow uncontrollably. Glial cells play a vital role in supporting nerve function and maintaining the central nervous system, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Also Read: Kelley Mack, Best Known For The Walking Dead, Dies At 33
Gliomas are typically malignant (cancerous), although some can grow slowly. They are classified as primary brain tumours, meaning they originate in brain tissue. While gliomas rarely spread beyond the brain or spinal cord, they can be life-threatening due to their tendency to infiltrate other parts of the brain and the difficulty in removing them surgically.
Gliomas are divided into three main types based on the type of glial cell from which they originate. In some cases, tumours may contain more than one type of glial cell—these are known as mixed gliomas.
Gliomas are also categorized by grade—low, mid, or high—based on their growth rate and behaviour. High-grade gliomas tend to grow more aggressively and are generally more challenging to treat.
As per the Cleveland Clinic, gliomas are most commonly diagnosed in older adults over the age of 65 and children under 12. Several other factors may contribute to the development of gliomas, including:
Genetic disorders
Exposure to radiation or toxic substances
Biological sex, as gliomas are more frequently found in men than in women
The symptoms of glioma vary depending on the tumour’s size and location but commonly include:
Difficulty speaking or communicating
Vision problems
Cognitive challenges such as issues with thinking, learning, or memory
Trouble walking or maintaining balance
Dizziness and frequent headaches
Numbness in one part of the body
Nausea, vomiting, and seizures
Personality or behavioural changes
Zubair Amin is a Senior Journalist at NewsX with over seven years of experience in reporting and editorial work. He has written for leading national and international publications, including Foreign Policy Magazine, Al Jazeera, The Economic Times, The Indian Express, The Wire, Article 14, Mongabay, News9, among others. His primary focus is on international affairs, with a strong interest in US politics and policy. He also writes on West Asia, Indian polity, and constitutional issues. Zubair tweets at zubaiyr.amin
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