‘Hollywood Medium’ Tyler Henry, 29, reveals he had brain tumor — 4 symptoms to look out for

“Hollywood Medium” Tyler Henry is “on the mend” after undergoing surgery to remove part of a rare tumor growing near the center of his brain.

“Great prognosis, incredible staff, and I feel so thankful to be surrounded by my family,” the 29-year-old clairvoyant — who’s read for stars like the Kardashians, Megan Fox, and Chad Michael Murray — wrote in a May 14 Instagram post.

The tumor, known as a colloid cyst, is noncancerous but potentially dangerous if left untreated. Here’s what you need to know about the condition, including the signs that one might be quietly lurking in your brain.

What are colloid cysts? 

Colloid cysts are rare, benign and slow-growing brain lesions, making up an estimated 0.5% to 1% of all primary brain tumors, according to Barrow Neurological Institute. 

While doctors don’t know exactly what causes them, researchers believe these fluid-filled sacs begin forming during fetal development.

Colloid cysts are typically found deep in the brain’s third ventricle — a narrow passage that helps circulate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the clear liquid that cushions and protects your brain and spinal cord. 

Most sit silently for years, causing no issues. But if a cyst grows large enough, it can block the flow of CSF, leading to a dangerous buildup in the brain known as hydrocephalus.

That fluid pressure can damage brain tissues and trigger serious neurological problems. In severe cases, it can become life-threatening — and even lead to sudden death if left untreated.

What are the symptoms of colloid cysts?

Colloid cysts are often asymptomatic, and many people don’t know they have one until it shows up unexpectedly on a brain scan for something else, according to RWJ Barnabas Health.

When signs do appear, it’s typically because the cyst has grown large enough to interfere with normal brain function, usually occurring after the age of 30.

Symptoms can vary depending on where the lesion is located in the brain, but red flags often include headaches, memory problems, behavioral changes and brief losses of consciousness, which can escalate to coma in some cases. 

If the cyst causes hydrocephalus, additional symptoms may surface, such as confusion, double vision, fatigue and difficulty walking.

How do you treat colloid cysts? 

Doctors usually keep a close eye on small, symptom-free cysts with annual scans. But once they cause problems, surgery becomes the main option, according to Columbia Neurosurgery. 

The traditional method is a craniotomy, where surgeons open a section of the skull to access the cyst.

However, in a growing number of cases, a less invasive endoscopic craniotomy is performed, in which doctors use a small tube with a camera and surgical tools to remove the cyst through a tiny incision. 

Complete removal of a colloid cyst usually means a cure, but in some cases — like Henry’s — only partial removal is possible due to factors such as the tumor’s size and location.

“For those curious,” the “Life After Death” star explained to his 1.2 million followers, “I had a colloid tumor near the center of my brain and thankfully most of it has been removed! (The tumor, not my brain… that is.)”

Partial removal significantly raises the risk of the cyst returning. Patients in these cases are typically monitored closely with regular brain scans to catch any signs of regrowth early.

If the cyst is too risky to remove surgically, doctors may opt to insert a shunt to drain excess CSF and reduce pressure on the brain. A shunt may also be used if hydrocephalus continues even after the cyst has been removed.