Serena Williams said she had a benign branchial cyst “the size of a small grapefruit” removed from her neck. The 43-year-old tennis superstar informed on social media that a lump was found on her neck earlier this year, and after an MRI exam, she was told she didn't need to get it removed if she didn't want to. So, she didn't then, “but it kept growing,” she said.
After some more tests, including a biopsy, which came out negative for cancer, Williams said her doctors recommended she get the removal procedure done. Sharing a video of herself in a hospital bed, Serena wrote, “So this is me removing it. I am feeling so grateful and fortunate that everything worked out, and most of all, I’m healthy.
All is ok.” A branchial cyst, also known as a branchial cleft cyst or cleft sinus, is a congenital lump that forms in the neck or collarbone area. Doctors say even though it may be present at birth, the cyst may not be noticeable until later in life.
What is a benign cyst? According to experts, a cyst is a sac that can be filled with air, fluid, or other material and be formed in any part of the body, including bones, organs, and soft tissues. Doctors say most cysts are noncancerous or benign, but sometimes they can be cancerous. The most common benign neck masses are: Branchial cleft cystsThyroglossal duct cystsEpidermoid cystsDermoid cystsLymphangiomasHemangiomasThese masses lead to a cosmetic deformity as they bulge out from the neck.
Apart from that, many neck masses.
