A woman who repeatedly blamed her expanding waistline on overeating received the shock of her life when doctors discovered a 17lb tumour growing inside her abdomen.
The 45-year-old, whose identity has not been disclosed, had been struggling with a persistently bloated belly for months. Despite cutting back on food and increasing exercise, her stomach continued to swell.
"I was told I just needed to eat less and move more," she recalled. "But no matter what I did, my belly kept getting bigger."
The Shocking Discovery
After months of discomfort, she sought further medical attention. Scans revealed a massive ovarian tumour weighing an astonishing 17 pounds—equivalent to carrying around two large bags of sugar.
"I couldn't believe it when they told me," she said. "All this time, I thought it was my fault, but it was this enormous growth inside me."
Life-Saving Surgery
Surgeons successfully removed the benign tumour in a complex operation. The procedure, which took several hours, relieved the woman of constant pain and discomfort.
"The relief was immediate," she explained. "I could breathe properly again, and my clothes finally fit."
A Warning to Others
Medical experts stress that persistent bloating should never be ignored. "While weight gain is common, sudden or unexplained abdominal swelling warrants investigation," said one NHS consultant.
The woman hopes her story will encourage others to trust their instincts when something feels wrong with their body. "Don't let anyone dismiss your concerns—keep pushing for answers," she advised.
