31-Year-Old Man Dismissed Headaches, Muscular Pain & Tingling as a Weight Training Injury. It Was Brain Cancer— Understanding Gliomas

“I assumed I’d picked up some kind of injury like a torn ligament in my neck from weight training so I booked physiotherapy, fully expecting that would fix it.”

After several physio sessions offered no help, months later, in July 2022, he suffered a seizure and was transported to an ER. Tests done at Sheffield Royal Hallamshire Hospital revealed he had a brain lesion, and he was later diagnosed as a grade 3 astrocytoma.

Astrocytoma brain tumors originate from astrocytes, which are “star-shaped cells” located in the brain. According to the American Brain Tumor Association, these tumors are typically slow-growing but can invade surrounding tissue. Astrocytomas are a type of glial tumor and account for approximately 60% of all such tumors, as reported by StatPearls. 

By November 2022, Sweeney underwent a a nine-and-a-half-hour awake craniotomy to remove part of the tumor. Although he experienced a stroke during the procedure, he successfully rehabilitated and regained the ability to walk.

Sweeney told Brain Tumour Research, “Following surgery, I was diagnosed with a grade 3 astrocytoma, a type of high-grade glioma that requires long-term treatment and monitoring.

“In January 2023, I began five weeks of radiotherapy and in March, I started chemotherapy – 12 rounds in total – which continued until February 2024 at Weston Park Hospital.

He continued, “About six months after finishing treatment, I started to feel more like myself, although I know I’ll always experience some long-term side effects.

“Returning to work as a Senior Account Director for a marketing company was a big milestone for me.”

The loving husband, who got married to his wife Lucy before his surgery, recovered well and was able to return to work in October 2025.

Sweeney aims to encourage others to remain hopeful when facing a diagnosis, crediting his positive mindset with helping him recover enough to complete his first endurance event.

He credited Sir Chris Hoy’s Tour de 4 cycling challenge for inspiring him to take part in the biking event, which consisted of a 37-mile route with an elevation of 2,400 feet.

The event allowed Sweeney to push his limits and astonish himself beyond anything he had ever imagined.

Sweeney advised, “If there’s one message I’d share with anyone facing a similar diagnosis, it’s this: stay positive and try not to dwell on what’s out of your control.

“It’s not easy, but I truly believe a positive mindset can help you keep moving forward. ”

All About Brain Tumors & Gliomas

Brain tumors account for 85-90% of all primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors, according to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). In 2025, the ASCO estimated that 24,820 adults (14,040 men and 10,780 women) in the United States would be diagnosed with primary cancerous tumors of the brain and spinal cord.

The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord and acts as the main “processing center” for the body’s nervous system. The normal function of the brain and spinal cord can become difficult if there’s a tumor putting pressure on or spreading into normal tissue close by.

There are many different types of brain and spinal cord tumors and some of which are more likely to spread into nearby parts of the brain or spinal cord than others. Slow-growing tumors may be considered benign, however, even these types of tumors can lead to serious problems.

Meanwhile, symptoms of brain tumors, as a whole, are usually caused by increased pressure in the skull. This pressure can stem from tumor growth, swelling in the brain, or blockage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the American Cancer Society explains.

General symptoms may include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Blurred vision
• Balance problems
• Personality or behavior changes
• Seizures
• Drowsiness or even coma

Navigating a Glioma Diagnosis: Understanding Your Tumor Type & Treatment Options

Additionally, MD Anderson Cancer Center notes that changes in the ability to smell can also be a sign of brain tumors, and, more specifically, “strange smells” can be a symptom of seizures, which can result from brain tumors.

It’s important to note that these symptoms are not exclusive to brain tumors. Still, you should always speak with your doctor if you’re experiencing any health problems.

Meanwhile, treatment options for brain cancer depend on a variety of factors, including the size and type of the tumor as well as the grade of the tumor.

Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are options doctors use to treat brain tumors. Cancer warriors are encouraged to talk to their doctor about their situation and the best treatment options.

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Meanwhile, a glioma is a type of tumor that originates in the central nervous system, specifically in the brain or spinal cord. They originate in glial cells. Glial cells are supportive cells in the brain which serve to protect and maintain the neurons. They perform these tasks by maintaining the right chemical environment for electrical signaling, creating protective coverings for neurons, and removing debris and acting as scavengers. Neurons are the key cells in the brain and spinal cord which are responsible for transmitting messages in the brain. While the signals and messages that allow you to think, move, and speak are created by neurons, the glial cells are critical in maintaining brain function.

So essentially, a glioma is a tumor that comes from the brain’s own support cells.

“Glioma is a broad term that refers to a whole range of different types of primary brain tumors,” Dr. Alexandra Miller, Director of the Neuro-Oncologist Division at NYU Langone Health, tells SurvivorNet. “So, they’re tumors that originate in the brain and very rarely spread outside the brain to other parts of the body.”

Those glial cells, like many other cells in the body, have the potential to grow abnormally and form a mass, and that is when a glioma is formed. Gliomas, as they arise from the brain or spinal cord, are considered a primary brain tumor. They do not spread from elsewhere in the body. Relative to other cancers such as breast, prostate, and lung, primary brain tumors are relatively uncommon with 80,000 diagnosed per year in the United States. Of the primary brain tumors diagnosed each year, gliomas comprise approximately 25%.

The Grading System of Gliomas

Gliomas are graded on a scale of I to IV, with higher grades indicating a more aggressive tumor. This grading is based on several factors including the type of glioma, the genetics of the cancer, as well as the appearance of the tumor cells under a microscope. The more abnormal the cells look, the higher the grade, and the faster the tumor is likely to grow and spread. Here’s a quick overview:

• Grade I-II gliomas – These are considered low-grade and tend to grow slowly. “The grade one is a very indolent, benign tumor that basically can be cured with surgery alone,” Dr. Henry Friedman, Deputy Director of the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke, tells SurvivorNet.
• Grade III gliomas – These are considered high-grade and tend to grow more rapidly. Grade III gliomas are typically classified as malignant and typically require more aggressive treatment which can include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
• Grade IV gliomas – These are the most aggressive gliomas which are locally aggressive and require treatment intensification. Glioblastomas are the most common grade IV glioma, “which is by far the most well known and most feared tumor in the lay population and quite frankly, the medical population as well,” Dr. Friedman explains.

Although Grade IV gliomas are the most aggressive glioma and may require several types of treatment including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, there can be challenges in treating low grade gliomas as well. When making decisions on treatment, several factors are taken into consideration including location of the tumor, ease of surgery and ability to resect, neurologic deficits, patient age, tumor size, and overall health.

Understanding Astrocytomas

Astrocytes are star-shaped cells that play a crucial role in brain function. They help regulate immune responses, control brain chemistry, and provide structural support to neurons. They are essential in maintaining the brain’s delicate balance of chemicals and protecting against harmful substances.

When a tumor forms from astrocytes, it is called an astrocytoma, and these tumors tend to be more aggressive than some other types of gliomas.

Astrocytomas may be a more aggressive type of cancer which needs more invasive treatment than other types of gliomas. The treatment plan may include:

1. Surgery: Removing as much of the tumor as possible is the first step. However, astrocytomas can infiltrate surrounding brain tissue, making total removal difficult.
2. Radiation Therapy: This is often used after surgery to target any remaining cancer cells and prevent regrowth.
3. Chemotherapy: Drugs like temozolomide are commonly used, especially for higher-grade astrocytomas.
4. Tumor-Treating Fields (TTFields): This is a newer therapy that uses electric fields to disrupt cancer cell growth and is sometimes used alongside chemotherapy.
5. IDH targeting therapy with vorasidenib for low-grade astrocytoma with IDH mutations should be discussed with your doctor.

Why Some Gliomas Return After Surgery or Radiation Therapy

Navigating a Glioma Diagnosis

Being diagnosed with a glioma can be overwhelming, but understanding your specific tumor type and the available treatments can help you make informed decisions about your care. Here are some steps to take if you or a loved one is facing a glioma diagnosis:

• Work with a Specialized Medical Team: A neuro-oncologist, neurosurgeon, and radiation oncologist can help guide your treatment plan.
• Ask About Genetic Testing: Some gliomas have specific genetic markers that can influence treatment decisions and prognosis.
• Consider Second Opinions: Seeking a second opinion at a major cancer center can provide more treatment options and access to clinical trials.
• Stay Informed & Engaged: Learn as much as you can about your diagnosis and ask your doctors about the latest research and treatment advancements.
• Seek Support: Support groups, counseling, and patient advocacy organizations can help you navigate the emotional and practical challenges of living with a brain tumor.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

If you are facing a glioma diagnosis, understanding all the new information you are getting can be really overwhelming. Consider taking the following questions to your doctor at your next visit.

• What type of glioma do I have?
• Is there a standard treatment approach we will take?
• Should I undergo genetic testing?
• How will I be monitored after treatment?

Contributing: SurvivorNet Staff

Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.

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