Nurses developing mysterious brain tumors

A hospital in Massachusetts is investigating why 11 staff members working on the same unit have all reported health issues, with five being diagnosed with benign brain tumors.

All five individuals with brain tumors are nurses working on the same floor at Mass General Brigham's Newton-Wellesley Hospital. After the realization came to light, the hospital conducted a sweep for potential causes but was unable to find an explanation.

In a report from NBC10 Boston, the hospital said it is working with the Department of Occupational Health and Safety to interview employees and scan for environmental factors that could explain the sudden growth of tumors and other unspecified health conditions experienced by staff, all of whom seem to be stationed on the fifth-floor maternity ward.

"Every staff member who came forward was given the opportunity to be interviewed by the Occupational Health and Safety team to evaluate each diagnosis in the context of their individual medical history and risk factors. To evaluate any possible environmental exposures in that area of the hospital, comprehensive environmental assessments, following CDC guidelines, began in December," the hospital told the outlet. "The investigation found no environmental risks that could be linked to the development of brain tumors."

However, the Massachusetts Nurses Association questioned the efficacy of the environmental testing. The union said it has received more than 300 statements from people working at Newton-Wellesley who raised concerns about the investigation.

The association is working to obtain medical records for further investigation into the potential cause.

“We do not have a specific cause as we are still investigating. We brought this to the hospital in December to urge an investigation by Mass General Brigham. We have been in communication with Newton-Wellesley Hospital nurses about this regularly, and specifically with nurses who are self-reporting,” the association told NBC10 in a statement.

They added that, given the 300+ complaints, the issue may extend beyond the maternity ward; however, for now, that remains the focal point of the investigation.

In a follow-up statement to the media, the hospital denied there was a problem and seemed to attribute the tumors to a coincidence.

“Based on [the results of our testing and investigation], we can confidently reassure our dedicated team members at Mass General Brigham/Newton-Wellesley Hospital and all our patients that there is no environmental risk at our facility. As always, the health and well-being of our staff, clinicians, and patients is our absolute top priority,” the hospital wrote.

The story has garnered wider media attention, with outlets such as The Guardian reporting on the mysterious tumors.

The full report from NBC10 is available at the link below.