Senator Edward "Ted" Kennedy was diagnosed Tuesday with malignant glioma, a brain tumor, in his left parietal lobe.
Kennedy, 76, was hospitalized Saturday morning after suffering a seizure at his family's compound at Hyannisport, Massachusetts. During his stay, doctors diagnosed him with malignant glioma, which is a brain tumor, in the parietal lobe on the left side of his brain.
Kennedy's wife, Victoria; his sister Jean; his daughter, Kara Kennedy Allen; and his sons, Ted Kennedy Jr. and U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.) have been by his side since he was hospitalized.
Malignant glioma is a type of primary central nervous system (CNS) tumor that arises from glial cells. A glioma is graded from 1-4 with 4 being the most severe with an average survival time of 12 months.
A brain glioma can cause headaches, nausea and vomiting, seizures, and cranial nerve disorders as a result of increased intracranial pressure. It cannot be operated on, therefore, chemotherapy and radiation are the primary methods for recovery.
The parietal lobe is located in front of the frontal lobe in the brain. The lobe integrates sensory information and is involved in such functions as memorization of numbers, as well as integration of senses to various parts of the body.
The malignant glioma that Kennedy was diagnosed with is located on the parietal lobe near a region can affect speech as well.
Kennedy has represented Massachusetts as a senator since 1962. He is one of only six senators in U.S. history to serve more than 40 years.
Kennedy is the youngest brother of former President John F. Kennedy and former Senator Robert F. Kennedy, both of which were killed in assassinations. As the youngest of nine children, Kennedy is the last-surviving brother in the storied family.
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