'I missed signs I had brain tumour for two years'

David Ellis urges people to check "minor blips" with doctors to prevent conditions becoming more serious

A man who thought he was having a stroke after losing feeling in his face ended up having surgery for a brain tumour while awake.

David Ellis, from Liverpool, lost feeling down the right side of his face earlier this year before attending hospital for treatment.

Scans revealed he had a cancerous brain tumour, with specialists recommending surgery on his skull – known as a craniotomy - while awake, due to its location near areas involved with communication.

The 48-year-old said he believes he missed "crucial signs" over the past two years and is urging others to check symptoms with doctors.

"One time I was in a meeting and just couldn't speak and another time I fell in the road and could not get up easily," he said.

"They seemed like minor blips at the time but I should have known then to get checked out."

Neurosurgeon Farouk Olubajo said: "With awake craniotomies, having that real-time feedback from the patient on the areas of the brain I am working on is crucial to preserving their function and keeping them safe."

The craniotomy involves patients being awake so speech, memory or mobility can be tested to ensure only cancerous cells are removed while preserving healthy brain tissue.

Mr Ellis said he was initially "nervous" but became reassured after watching a patient information video.

"Every staff member was so supportive and understanding - they helped me feel ready."