Cade Larsen, a 27-year-old from Provo, Utah, has struggled with significant health challenges for 14 years due to a craniopharyngioma, a rare, non-cancerous brain tumor. The tumor, discovered when he was 13, damaged the parts of his brain that regulate hunger, leaving him with a constant feeling of starvation and an inability to feel full. This has contributed to his weight soaring to over 300 pounds.
Larsen's initial symptom was a persistent, mild headache, which he initially attributed to wearing tight swimming goggles. However, about a month later, he noticed he was cross-eyed. This prompted his parents to seek medical attention, leading to an MRI scan that revealed the tumor pressing on his optic nerve.
Craniopharyngiomas grow near the pituitary gland, a key regulator of metabolism, growth, and reproduction. While the exact cause is unknown, experts believe they originate from embryonic tissue remnants. Dr. Walavan Sivakumar, a neurosurgeon, explained that these tumors can affect various bodily functions and are notoriously subtle in their early stages. Risk factors, including lifestyle or genetics, are not traditionally identified.
Larsen underwent three surgeries to remove the tumor and address complications. The initial nine-hour procedure to remove the tumor also damaged his hypothalamus, a brain structure crucial for appetite control. Additionally, his pituitary gland was removed. A subsequent surgery was required to repair a cerebrospinal fluid leak, and a third procedure was performed to permanently seal the leak.
The surgeries resulted in a range of long-term health issues for Larsen. He experiences chronic fatigue, low stamina, and narcolepsy, likely due to insufficient orexin production from his damaged hypothalamus. His body temperature regulation is also permanently affected, and he often feels warm when others are cold. The most persistent challenge remains his insatiable hunger, a condition known as hyperphagia, which requires him to meticulously track his calorie intake.
Before his diagnosis and surgeries, Larsen was an athletic 13-year-old. Within a month of hospitalization, his weight doubled, leading to the development of type 2 diabetes. He now relies on synthetic hormone replacements for hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which have their own side effects, including bone weakness that has caused him to break his hip three times.
His medical conditions prevent him from working full-time, though he works part-time as a substitute teacher. He anticipates a reduced life expectancy due to the long-term metabolic and cardiac risks associated with his conditions and type 2 diabetes. Dr. Noa Tal, an endocrinologist, noted that hypothalamic damage can cause persistent issues like fatigue, sleep disorders, and weight management problems, even with hormone replacement therapy.
Despite the significant hardships, Larsen emphasizes that health and weight management are not always a matter of simple choices or discipline. He highlights the support he has received from his community and acknowledges the unique perspective his health journey has provided.