Saba Ali Khan opens up about her life-changing brain tumour diagnosis at 27, recalling the sudden fainting episodes, surgery in 2006 and emotional challenges she faced. (Images: X)
Mumbai: Saba Ali Khan has revisited one of the most challenging chapters of her life, opening up about her brain tumour diagnosis at the age of 27 and the surgery she underwent in 2006. The jewellery designer shared her experience during a recent episode of the All About Her podcast, hosted by her sister Soha Ali Khan, where they were joined by Dr Mazda Turel to discuss brain health and brain tumours.
During the conversation, Saba described how an unexpected episode of fainting became the starting point of a medical journey she had never anticipated. She also spoke candidly about the fear, confusion and emotional upheaval that followed her diagnosis.
Looking back at the incident, Saba explained that she had gone out with a friend when she suddenly lost consciousness. Initially, she suspected that her sensitive stomach might have been responsible for feeling unwell. However, the episode was unlike anything she had experienced before. She recalled fainting and then losing consciousness again before she could fully recover, an experience that left her increasingly anxious.
Saba said it took approximately 20 to 25 minutes for her to regain consciousness fully, and she continued to feel hazy afterwards. Recognising that something was wrong, she underwent an MRI scan to investigate the cause of the episode.
According to Saba, the MRI revealed a shadow in the third ventricle of her brain. Doctors identified a colloid cyst, a generally benign, fluid-containing growth that can sometimes obstruct the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, depending on its size and location. The discovery marked the beginning of a difficult period for the jewellery designer. Although she had not expected a serious medical diagnosis, further evaluation led to a surgical procedure approximately six months later.
Saba subsequently received a diagnosis of pilocytic astrocytoma, a typically slow-growing, low-grade tumour that can develop in the brain or spinal cord. She explained during the podcast that the diagnosis became clear following surgery. Recalling the experience, she described the news as something entirely unexpected, saying she had never imagined finding herself in such a situation.
Beyond the medical challenges, Saba spoke about the emotional weight of learning that she needed brain surgery. She explained that receiving such news can abruptly change a person's perspective, particularly when life had seemed normal just moments earlier. The diagnosis left her feeling shattered as she struggled to process the possibility of undergoing a major operation.
At the same time, Saba reflected on how the experience also gave her a sense of strength. Although confronting the situation was difficult, she understood that she had to face it and navigate the challenges ahead. Her account highlights the emotional uncertainty that can accompany an unexpected medical diagnosis, especially when it involves a condition affecting the brain.
Saba also revealed that she went through an emotional roller coaster following the diagnosis. At times, she found herself crying unexpectedly without immediately understanding why. She attributed these moments to the difficulty of coping with life-changing news that had arrived without warning. The uncertainty surrounding her health and the prospect of surgery made the period particularly overwhelming. By sharing her experience with Soha, Saba offered a personal perspective on the psychological impact of a serious health scare, alongside the medical procedures involved.
Saba's conversation on the All About Her podcast brought attention to the importance of recognising unusual symptoms and seeking appropriate medical evaluation. Her experience began with sudden episodes of fainting that she initially struggled to explain. Subsequent investigations revealed an underlying condition that required further medical attention. While fainting can occur for many different reasons and does not necessarily indicate a brain tumour, recurrent or unexplained loss of consciousness warrants medical assessment.
Through her account, Saba reflected on the fear of facing an unexpected diagnosis, the emotional challenges that followed and the strength required to navigate a difficult chapter of her life.
