More than 100 graduates of Colony High School in New Jersey have developed a type of brain cancer over the past few decades, possibly caused by contamination from a nearby uranium factory.
Al Lupiano, 50, a former college student, became suspicious after his wife and sister, who attended a 1,000-student public school in Woodbridge, New Jersey, just southwest of New York City, were diagnosed with brain cancer. . †
Brain cancer is rare and is diagnosed in about one in 15,000 Americans each year, making this trend within a family worrying, official numbers show.
After posting the diagnosis online, Lupiano said, his inbox was flooded with other students who attended Cologne High School until forty years ago, and they were also diagnosed with cancer.
Among the brain cancers detected is glioblastoma, the deadliest form of brain cancer found in Lupiano’s sister, with less than half of patients surviving more than a year after diagnosis.
President Joe Biden’s son, Beau, died of this cancer in 2015.
Cases of acoustic neuroma, a slow-growing, benign tumor that survives in the vast majority of patients, have also been found.
Experts say exposure to high levels of radiation and a weakened immune system are major risk factors for brain cancer.
The school is located about 18 miles from a former nuclear bomb development site, and fears are growing that the facility’s uranium may have contaminated the school’s water or soil.
A radioactive rock was also found in the schoolyard for three decades before it was removed in the 1990s after a teacher warned it could be dangerous to children.
“The doctors said they had never seen my cancer before, it was very rare, or only in people who were exposed to nuclear radiation as a child who lived near a nuclear power plant and polluted their water.” Said.
Below is a description of brain tumors detected at school:
Al Lupiano revealed 20 years ago that his wife (pictured together) had a brain tumor, as well as his sister, who died in February at just 44 years old.
The victims, all of whom attended Colonial High School (pictured) in Woodbridge, New Jersey, developed “rare” glioblastoma years after studying or working there.
Glioblastoma or glioblastoma multiforme:
This is the deadliest form of brain cancer.
It develops when cells that support the nerves in the brain begin to divide uncontrollably.
The fast-growing cells also invade nearby brain tissue, making them difficult to remove, but they usually don’t spread to other parts of the body.
Survival rates are low: less than half of patients survive more than a year after diagnosis.
Estimates suggest that around one in 30,000 people have the condition.
Mr. Lupiano’s sister was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 44 and committed suicide soon after.
The National Foundation for Cancer Research, which funds cancer research, says glioblastomas are “the deadliest form of brain cancer.”
What are the symptoms?
Warning signs vary depending on where the cancer is in the brain. They include:
- persistent headache;
- double or blurred vision
- he gagged;
- loss of appetite;
- Changes in mood and personality
- attack;
- Gradual onset of speech problems.
How is it diagnosed?
Brain scans are used to detect cancer.
Glioblastoma is a type of stage IV brain cancer, meaning it grows rapidly.
Can it be treated?
The main treatment for this brain cancer is surgery.
Medical professionals remove as much cancer as possible during surgery. They may recommend that patients stay awake during the procedure.
A glioblastoma (black area to the right of the brain) is seen above.
Radiation therapy, which uses high-energy X-rays to destroy cancer cells, may also be used.
After surgery, some patients are recommended chemotherapy for several months.
What are the chances of survival?
The American Association of Neurological Surgeons says about 40 percent of patients survive more than a year after diagnosis.
Only 17% of patients survive more than two years after diagnosis.
Experts warn that if left untreated, it could lead to death within six months.
am i in danger
This cancer is most commonly diagnosed in men around age 64, but can affect people of all genders and age groups.
Previous therapeutic radiation and a reduced immune response are also risk factors for the condition.
In the photo above, there is a small form of acoustic neuroma up to two millimeters (0.07 in) in diameter (left) and a large form of glioblastoma larger than 30 mm (1.1 in).
Acoustic neuromas:
This is a slow-growing tumor in the brain that has not spread to other parts of the body.
It begins in the nerve responsible for hearing and balance.
They are rare and account for approximately 8% of all brain tumor diagnoses.
Most patients initially have their cancer checked to make sure it is not growing.
But if this happens, surgery will be offered to remove all or part of it.
The vast majority of patients recover from this condition, and only one out of 200 cases that undergo surgery is fatal.
Mr. Lupiano was diagnosed with cancer in 2002 at the age of 27, and his wife, Michele, was also affected.
What are the symptoms?
The tumor may not cause obvious symptoms initially, but as it develops, it can lead to the following warning signs:
- Hearing loss, usually only in one ear
- Hear sounds from within the body;
- Sensation of movement or rotation.
As the tumor grows, it can cause additional symptoms:
- persistent headache;
- Transient blurred or double vision;
- numbness, pain, or weakness on one side of the face
- Problems with coordination of limbs on one side of the body
- Hoarseness or difficulty swallowing.
How is it diagnosed?
Acoustic neuromas are diagnosed using brain scans.
But doctors can also use hearing tests to estimate the size of the tumor and what treatment may be needed.
What are the treatment options?
Doctors say whether or not someone is offered surgery depends on the size of the acoustic neuroma.
Patients with very small growths up to two millimeters in diameter are usually only offered a 12-month brain scan to monitor the tumor.
But if they grow into medium to large tumors — more than 30 mm (1.1 inches) — they’ll have surgery to remove them and prevent damage to the brain.
Radiation therapy may also be recommended to kill the tumor.
What are the chances of survival?
Most people diagnosed with acoustic neuroma recover from this condition.
Cancer Research UK, which funds research into treatments for these conditions, says patients often get a “good outcome”.
am i in danger
This cancer is more common in adults in their 50s, and some estimates suggest it is twice as common in women.
Radiation exposure and a weakened immune system are considered risk factors for the condition.
Source: Daily Mail
I am Anne Johnson and I work as an author at the Fashion Vibes. My main area of expertise is beauty related news, but I also have experience in covering other types of stories like entertainment, lifestyle, and health topics. With my years of experience in writing for various publications, I have built strong relationships with many industry insiders. My passion for journalism has enabled me to stay on top of the latest trends and changes in the world of beauty.
