Kelley Mack’s Glioma Diagnosis Highlights Rare Brain Cancer Risks

The recent passing of actress Kelley Mack at the age of 33 has brought renewed attention to glioma, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer. Mack, known for her roles in popular series such as The Walking Dead and 9-1-1, died on August 2, 2025, following her diagnosis with glioma of the central nervous system.

In a heartfelt Instagram post from January, Mack detailed her journey leading up to her diagnosis. She recounted moving into a new apartment with her boyfriend, Logan Lanier, in September and experiencing persistent lower back pain, which she initially attributed to a slipped disc. Over the following weeks, she began suffering from neuropathic itching and severe shooting pains that forced her to sleep in a recliner. After undergoing emergency MRIs on Thanksgiving Eve, doctors discovered an abnormal mass in her spinal cord, later identified as diffuse midline glioma, a rare type of astrocytoma cancer.

Understanding Glioma

According to the Mayo Clinic, glioma is a type of tumor that arises from glial cells in the brain or spinal cord. As the tumor grows, it can exert pressure on surrounding brain or spinal cord tissue, leading to a range of symptoms. Common indications of glioma include headaches, memory loss, vision problems, speech difficulties, and seizures. The specific symptoms experienced by patients depend on the tumor’s location within the central nervous system.

Statistics from the Cleveland Clinic reveal that approximately 80,000 individuals are diagnosed with primary brain tumors in the United States each year, with around 25 percent identified as gliomas. This underscores the importance of understanding this condition as more individuals are affected.

Treatment and Prognosis

The diagnosis of glioma often begins with imaging tests, such as MRIs, to visualize the brain. A neurological examination is also conducted to assess a patient’s nerve and brain function. Treatment typically commences with surgical intervention; however, the feasibility of surgery may be limited if the tumor is located in critical areas of the brain. In such cases, doctors may recommend alternative therapies, including radiation and chemotherapy.

Survival rates for glioma patients can vary significantly based on tumor type, grade, and the patient’s age at diagnosis. Generally, older patients face a more challenging prognosis, as highlighted by the Cleveland Clinic.

Mack’s experience with glioma was shared publicly, as she documented her treatment journey through social media. She expressed a desire to raise awareness about her condition, encouraging others facing similar challenges to find strength in shared experiences. “I just wanted to share this to be open about what I’m going through,” she wrote.

As family, friends, and fans continue to mourn the loss of Kelley Mack, her story serves as a vital reminder of the realities of glioma and the importance of early detection and awareness of this rare illness.