Busy Philipps has revealed that she underwent two surgeries this year after a full-body MRI unexpectedly detected a rare brain tumor. The actress opened up about the diagnosis, recovery, surgical complication and why she is now urging people to listen to their instincts about their health.
NEW YORK, United States — Actress Busy Philipps has revealed that she underwent two surgeries in 2026 after doctors discovered a grade 2 oligodendroglioma, a rare slow-growing brain tumor, during a full-body MRI in February. The 47-year-old actress told PEOPLE that she is “grateful that I’m alive” after what she described as the “weirdest six months” of her life.
The tumor was found before Philipps developed obvious symptoms such as seizures. She underwent a roughly five-hour operation on March 2 to remove the 2.6-centimeter mass from her frontal lobe, but a staphylococcus infection at the surgical site later required a second procedure on April 27.
Key Highlights
- Busy Philipps discovered a 2.6-centimeter grade 2 oligodendroglioma during a full-body MRI in February.
- Doctors removed the tumor during a five-hour operation on March 2.
- A staphylococcus infection at the surgical incision led to a second operation on April 27.
- Philipps did not have obvious symptoms such as seizures when the tumor was discovered.
- She will undergo regular scans to monitor for a possible recurrence and does not need chemotherapy or radiation, according to the supplied report.
How Busy Philipps Discovered Her Brain Tumor
Philipps became interested in getting a Prenuvo full-body MRI after reading about the scans on Instagram. She had initially planned the examination for January, but a blizzard forced her appointment to February 12.
Her primary care doctor had previously told her there was no need for such a scan because she was young and healthy and her routine blood work was normal. Philipps later discussed the idea with her cousin’s husband, Beverly Hills internist Dr. Justin Donlan, who encouraged her with the view that “knowledge is power.”
The scan showed a lesion on her brain. Donlan told her that its appearance did not suggest glioblastoma, but recommended a follow-up MRI to determine what the lesion was.
Neurologist Told Philipps the Tumor Had to Be Removed
After reviewing the MRI, NYU Langone neurologist Dr. Orrin Devinsky told Philipps that the mass was a genuine brain tumor and needed to be removed. Philipps recalled becoming overwhelmed and struggling to breathe after receiving the news.
The diagnosis came at an especially hectic moment. She had just learned she had been cast in the upcoming series Cupertino, while she was also preparing to help her sister and dealing with the death of her friend and former Dawson’s Creek costar James Van Der Beek.
Philipps eventually told her daughters, Birdie, 18, and Cricket, 13, about the diagnosis. She said Birdie was frightened and overwhelmed, while Cricket responded more calmly and asked whether her mother would be okay.
March Surgery Removed the 2.6-Centimeter Tumor
Devinsky connected Philipps with neurosurgeon Dr. John Golfinos, who performed the first operation at NYU Langone on March 2. Her former husband and close friend Marc Silverstein accompanied her to the hospital for the procedure.
The approximately five-hour surgery removed the 2.6-centimeter mass, which was then biopsied. Doctors identified it as an oligodendroglioma, a tumor associated with two genetic alterations and described by Philipps’s neuro-oncologist, Dr. Alexandra Miller, as malignant but carrying the best prognosis among malignant gliomas.
Miller explained that the tumor is considered malignant because of its potential to regrow over time rather than because it necessarily appears highly malignant under a microscope.
Early Detection Helped Make Surgery Possible
Golfinos said finding the tumor before Philipps developed symptoms was beneficial. He told PEOPLE that had the tumor been discovered after symptoms such as seizures appeared, it could have been two or three times larger and potentially more difficult to remove completely.
Philipps recovered quickly after the first operation. She said she was walking around the hospital within a day and did not experience pain, although she had forehead swelling and more than 40 surgical staples.
Friends also helped during her recovery. Her former Dawson’s Creek costar Michelle Williams visited and arranged food service while Philipps recovered at home.
A Setback Led to a Second Surgery
Philipps returned to work on Cupertino, but a complication emerged while she was filming in April. During a planned visit to her dermatologist for Botox, the doctor noticed that the surgical incision did not look right and immediately asked Philipps to send a photograph to her surgical team.
The medical team determined that the wound required attention. A wound-care specialist initially prescribed antibiotics, but Philipps was eventually hospitalized after doctors identified a staphylococcus infection at the surgical site.
She underwent debridement surgery on April 27. The procedure cleared the infection and removed one of the small titanium tacks used during the original operation to hold the skull bone in place.
Golfinos said the infection was detected early and had not become a deep infection. Philipps nevertheless described the second operation as emotionally difficult, saying it made her feel as though she had returned to the beginning of her recovery.
Philipps Says Her Brain No Longer Feels “Broken”
Looking back, Philipps has questioned whether some intense emotional reactions she experienced over the previous couple of years could have been connected to the tumor pressing against her frontal lobe. She had previously attributed those experiences to perimenopause, while Golfinos told her there was no way to know for certain.
Williams also reminded Philipps that she had repeatedly told friends over the previous two years that her brain felt “broken.” Philipps now says that feeling has changed following surgery.
She does not require chemotherapy or radiation, according to the supplied report, but will undergo regular scans to watch for recurrence. Golfinos said she has a strong chance that the tumor may not return.
Busy Philipps Wants Others to Trust Their Health Concerns
Philipps said the experience has reinforced the importance of paying attention to personal health concerns, particularly when someone feels that something may be wrong despite being reassured that there is nothing to worry about.
She also credits the scan for finding the tumor early and her dermatologist for recognizing the later infection. Her experience, she said, has strengthened her belief that having information about one’s health can be empowering.
Philipps is also moving forward professionally. She managed to continue filming Cupertino, in which she plays Natalia Boutella, a wealthy financial backer connected to a Silicon Valley law firm. The series is scheduled to premiere on Paramount+ on October 8.
Medical disclaimer: This article reports information from the supplied interview and medical statements and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional.
Praveen Yadav is the Founder and Editor at The Nation Bulletin. With over 3 years of experience in digital journalism and news reporting, he covers national affairs, governance, and breaking current events with a commitment to factual accuracy and verified reporting.
