A rare brain tumor in a five-year-old boy led to his eye swelling to the size of a golf ball, leaving doctors puzzled, according to his mother. Little Mason Hogg, from Gloucester, was found to have multiple meningiomas, a type of rare tumor in the brain’s surrounding tissue, located behind his eyes, at the top of his head, base of his skull, and in his neck.
Sarah Mckeown, Mason’s mother, shared that doctors informed her that Mason’s case was unique, as he was the first child in the world known to have these specific tumors, making treatment decisions challenging. Mason’s condition has become a subject of extensive research for scientists, who are analyzing his blood and tumor tissue due to the aggressive nature of the meningiomas, which had put Mason’s eyesight at great risk.
Initially noticing the issue when Mason’s left eye began bulging in July last year, Sarah sought medical attention when the swelling worsened over three months, leading to an MRI scan and subsequent diagnosis of brain cancer. Mason underwent surgery in January to remove the tumor, which had caused abnormal growth in his bones and skull.
Despite the successful operation, Mason faced complications such as a paralyzed vocal cord and vision impairment. He remains a cheerful and curious child, actively engaging in life. Sarah expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support received from the community, especially Mason’s school friends and their families.
As Mason continues to heal, Sarah hopes for further insights into his condition, seeking guidance from other families or experts due to the rare and aggressive nature of his meningiomas. The family remains optimistic about Mason’s recovery and his eyesight, while appreciating the love and support surrounding them during this challenging time.
