Serena Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, revealed on Wednesday she had a grapefruit-sized cyst removed from her neck and is doing well as she recovers. The 43-year-old former women’s tennis world number one said in a Tik Tok video that she found a lump in May on the right side of her neck and an MRI showed she had a brachial cyst.
“I am still recovering, but getting better. Health always comes first,” Williams posted on X.
Williams did not have the cyst removed immediately but after it grew in size and she had multiple tests and a biopsy, she underwent surgery to remove it.
“I found this big mass on my neck. I was mortified by it,” she said in the video. “I got tests done. Everything you could imagine. Everything was negative. Turns out I had what they call a cyst, a brachial cyst to be exact. So I ended up having to get it removed. It was so big. It was the size of a grapefruit and it kind of hurt coming out. They had to put a drain in it because it was so much but everything worked out and I feel really happy to have worked with some great doctors. A little scared here but excited to move on to the next steps of healing and getting well.”
Serena Williams reveló que recientemente se sometió a una cirugía para extirpar un quiste branquial en su cuello, que no dejaba de crecer. Aunque el tumor era benigno, los médicos recomendaron la operación debido al tamaño y al riesgo de infección. Williams compartió su… pic.twitter.com/bTL2Ys5MgS— Ana Paula Ugalde (@anapaugalde) October 17, 2024
What is Branchial Cyst?
According to National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), Branchial cleft cysts represent a spectrum of congenital malformations originating from the incomplete obliteration of the first through fourth pharyngeal pouches during embryonic development. These anomalies can manifest as cysts, fistulae, or sinus tracts, with varying degrees of clinical significance.
Treatment for Branchial Cyst
While branchial cleft cysts are generally benign, the potential for infection, enlargement, and, albeit rarely, malignant transformation makes elective excision the standard treatment. This procedure is typically deferred until after 3 to 6 months of age, allowing for a safer surgical approach. Urgent intervention is unnecessary unless the cyst causes airway compromise or develops into a large abscess.
With AFP inputs
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