Tennis legend Serena Williams says she recently underwent surgery to remove a “grapefruit-sized” branchial cyst from her neck.
Williams said she discovered the lump in May and initially opted against surgery after several tests confirmed it was benign.
However, doctors later advised him to have it removed as “it kept growing” and was at risk of infection.
Branchial slit cysts are fluid-filled sacs found in the neck and can appear as bumps or swelling under the skin. They can vary in size from one centimeter to 10 centimeters (almost four inches) and are “benign lesions,” according to the National Institutes of Health.
In a video posted on TikTokThe 23-time Grand Slam champion said she “felt great” after the operation and recorded herself going shopping with her daughter Olympia.
“I feel so grateful and lucky that everything went well and, most importantly, I am healthy,” she said.
“I still got to the American (Girl) doll with Olympia as promised. And yes, everything is fine.
Williams said she missed Rafael Nadal announces his retirement while she was undergoing surgery.
“I’m still recovering, but it’s getting better,” she said. written theformerly known as Twitter. “Health always comes first. »
Williams, who turned 43 in September, last played competitive tennis during her farewell 2022 US Open.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, her 23 Grand Slam titles are an Open Era record and one shy of the all-time record held by Margaret Court.
Williams also won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles with her sister Venus and four Olympic gold medals.
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