Mum fears for her life as she waits years for brain surgery

Katrina Carlin, a 23-year-old mother from Accrington, Lancashire, was diagnosed with a colloid cyst in February 2022 after noticing a dent on her head and experiencing new headaches. Despite the significant size of her 30mm tumor, Katrina was informed by her neurologist in October 2023 that it was too small for surgery and that she would need to wait approximately five years for it to grow before intervention could occur. This revelation came after a health scan revealed the cyst by chance, mirroring the case of TV presenter Davina McCall, who was able to have a similar tumor removed, even though hers is 14mm. Katrina expressed her anger and frustration, especially being a part of the NHS environment where she witnessed prioritization based on wealth. She reported worsening symptoms, including nosebleeds, headaches, and fatigue, yet faced dismissal from medical professionals regarding her concerns over her health and quality of life. Given her worsening condition and the potential consequences of waiting, she has urged her doctor to communicate her plight to her neurologist to seek immediate attention before serious complications arise. This case highlights systemic issues in the healthcare system, where access to timely treatment may be inequitable, leading to emotional distress for patients who find themselves feeling disregarded in their medical needs. Katrina’s case resonates with broader struggles for patients experiencing similar conditions within the NHS, raising questions about health policies and processes that dictate surgical intervention timelines based on tumor size rather than individual symptoms or risks.