Busy Philipps health scare at 47: What happened to Dawson’s Creek actress? All you need to know about Oligodendroglioma

Actress Busy Philipps, known for her roles in Dawson’s Creek and White Chicks, has revealed she underwent surgery in secret after being diagnosed with a brain tumor. At 47, Philipps detailed the harrowing experience in an interview with People magazine, expressing relief that she is alive and emphasizing that the past six months have been the most unusual in her life.

The diagnosis came after a routine scan, during which her doctor broke the news that a real tumor was lodged inside her brain and needed to be removed. Philipps reportedly reacted with hyperventilation upon hearing the news. In February, she was diagnosed with grade 2 oligodendroglioma, a rare and slow-growing tumor typically affecting individuals between the ages of 30 and 50.

Following the surgery, Philipps felt she could move on and focus on her career. However, in April, a routine dermatologist visit revealed a complication - an infection in the incision site from her first surgery necessitated another operation. Oligodendroglioma is classified as a tumor in the central nervous system, specifically impacting the brain or, rarely, the spinal cord.

Originating from glial cells that support the nervous system, this type of tumor is generally considered highly treatable, even when cancerous. Survival rates are typically favorable.

Common symptoms of oligodendrogliomas include headaches and seizures, as they often do not present noticeable signs until they affect surrounding brain tissue. Treatment generally involves a combination of surgical removal, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.