Former Miss Great Britain Reveals Battle with Rare Adrenal Tumour
Former FHM star and Miss Great Britain finalist Louise Glover has publicly disclosed her ongoing medical crisis, announcing she is awaiting high-risk surgery to remove a life-threatening tumour. The 42-year-old model has been hospitalised at Oxford Hospital for more than a month ahead of the critical procedure scheduled for Friday, February 6.
Imminent Surgery and Birthday Hopes
In a recent update from her hospital bed, Glover confirmed the surgery would commence at 8am and last approximately four hours. Despite the daunting prospect, she maintains a positive outlook, particularly looking forward to celebrating her birthday on Sunday. "I'm staying positive," she stated, sharing her emotional journey with followers on Instagram.
Secret Struggle with Debilitating Symptoms
Glover revealed she had kept her illness private while struggling to accept the diagnosis and battling agonising symptoms that have placed her at constant risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke. She described experiencing heart palpitations, severe headaches, sweating, vomiting, and collapsing episodes over 19 months before doctors identified the cause.
"The symptoms have been there for 19 months, the heart palpitations, the sweating, banging headaches—it's brought me to my knees," Glover explained in an emotional video post.
Understanding Pheochromocytoma
The rare tumour, diagnosed as a Pheochromocytoma, affects approximately one in a million people annually according to medical statistics. This condition occurs when a non-cancerous tumour develops in one of the adrenal glands, causing them to release excessive amounts of hormones like adrenaline into the bloodstream.
According to NHS information, adrenal glands normally produce hormones that regulate blood pressure and metabolism. When a Pheochromocytoma develops, this hormonal balance is disrupted, often resulting in:
- Dangerously elevated heart rate and blood pressure
- High risk of stroke and heart attack
- Development of secondary conditions including osteoporosis and type 2 diabetes
Medical Details and Treatment Plan
In a detailed Instagram caption last week, Glover wrote: "34 days in hospital with a rare active tumour called Pheochromocytoma—diagnosed in only 1 in a million people each year. The tumour is growing in one of the most dangerous places in the body: my adrenal gland, where it's been over-secreting adrenaline and other hormones daily for the last 18 months."
She further explained that specialists are currently working to stabilise her heart rate and blood pressure before surgery, as the procedure itself can trigger unpredictable adrenal surges. The operation will involve removing both the tumour and the affected adrenal gland.
Personal Impact and Public Appeal
Glover described her experience as "life-changing" and shared her story to raise awareness about the condition. She also appealed to fans for support, revealing that her inability to work during this medical crisis has put her at risk of losing her houseboat.
The former model, who finished as a finalist in Miss Great Britain in 2006 before appearing in publications including FHM, Bizarre, Maxim, Loaded, and various tabloids, now faces one of her greatest challenges.
Medical Context and Risks
Pheochromocytoma is notoriously difficult to diagnose due to its broad range of symptoms that can mimic other conditions, including menopause. While typical symptoms include headaches, sweating, and heart palpitations, studies indicate only 17 percent of patients present with all three.
Other potential signs include:
- Anxiety and nervousness
- Persistent high blood pressure
- Abdominal pain and nausea
- General weakness and fatigue
If left untreated, the condition can cause permanent damage to the heart muscle, potentially leading to arrhythmias, heart disease, or in serious cases, heart failure. Diagnosis typically involves adrenal gland scans, with surgical removal being the standard treatment approach.
Glover's decision to share her journey publicly brings attention to this rare medical condition while demonstrating remarkable resilience in the face of significant health challenges.
