Quick Summary
A 31-year-old Thai woman who believed she was overweight discovered she had been carrying an 8kg ovarian tumour. After she developed breathing problems, she was rushed to a hospital where doctors removed the 30cm-wide cyst in a six-hour operation. Her weight dropped by 11kg following the surgery. The case highlights the risks of ignoring or misattributing unusual weight gain and the importance of regular health checkups.
For years, 31-year-old Ratchanaporn from southern Thailand thought she was simply overweight due to poor eating habits. But what she—and her family—assumed was excess body fat turned out to be an 8-kilogram ovarian tumour that had been silently growing inside her for years.
It wasn’t until she began experiencing severe breathing difficulties that the reality of her condition came to light. The case underscores the dangers of misattributing weight gain to lifestyle alone and highlights the importance of regular medical evaluations.
What led to the tumour’s discovery?
A health scare triggers urgent hospital visit
The breakthrough came when Ratchanaporn complained of tightness in her chest, difficulty breathing, and bulging eyes—symptoms that alarmed her family. Her mother rushed her to Satun Hospital in southern Thailand, where doctors performed imaging tests and discovered a massive 30cm-wide ovarian cyst pressing against her internal organs.
For years, her increasing weight had been brushed off as a result of poor dietary habits. Her family even joked about her looking “pregnant with twins.” No one suspected a potentially life-threatening tumour.
Inside the surgery: removing the 8kg mass
A six-hour operation, but a successful outcome
The operation, performed on July 31, was no minor feat. The sheer size of the cyst, compounded by its position in the abdomen, meant the surgical team had to proceed with utmost caution. According to hospital sources, the procedure lasted six hours and was successfully completed without complications.
After the tumour was removed, Ratchanaporn’s weight dropped from 86 kg to 75 kg, a loss of 11 kilograms, most of it attributed to the mass.
“My baby looked like she was pregnant with twins,” her mother told local media. “We just thought she ate too much. We never imagined it was something this serious.”
Ovarian tumours: what to know
What are ovarian cysts and tumours?
Ovarian tumours or cysts are fluid-filled sacs or solid masses that develop in or on a woman’s ovaries. While many cysts are benign and asymptomatic, others can grow over time and cause pressure on internal organs, especially if they exceed 10cm in diameter.
Symptoms may include:
- Abdominal swelling or bloating
- Frequent urination
- Pain during intercourse
- Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
- Shortness of breath (if the mass becomes very large)
In Ratchanaporn’s case, the tumour grew undetected for years, highlighting the subtle nature of ovarian tumour symptoms in many women.
This isn’t the first such case
Mexican woman lived with 34kg ovarian tumour
In a similar and even more extreme incident, a 24-year-old woman in Mexico discovered she had a 34kg ovarian tumour, one of the largest ever recorded. Despite dieting, her weight kept increasing. The mass eventually became so large she couldn’t walk, eat, or breathe properly. Doctors warned she was at risk of heart failure due to the pressure on her internal organs.
Dr. Erik Hanson Viana from Mexico’s General Hospital successfully removed the cyst, which reportedly occupied 95% of her abdominal cavity.
“This is the biggest cyst I have operated on,” said Dr. Hanson. “It measured half a metre in diameter and had a circumference of 157 cm.”
Why these cases matter
Misdiagnosis can be dangerous
Ratchanaporn’s story is a striking reminder of how misjudging sudden or persistent weight gain can delay critical diagnosis. In both the Thai and Mexican cases, social stigma around body weight led to self-blame and inaction, while the actual cause was a medical emergency.
Doctors urge that unexplained weight gain, especially when accompanied by bloating, fatigue, or abdominal discomfort, should be examined with ultrasound or pelvic imaging.
Importance of routine checkups
Regular gynecological exams and imaging tests can detect ovarian cysts early, especially for women over 30 or those with a family history of ovarian or uterine conditions. In rural or underserved areas, lack of access to preventive healthcare often means such conditions go unnoticed until they become critical.
After the surgery: what’s next?
A new lease on life
Since the surgery, Ratchanaporn has reportedly recovered well and is now under observation to monitor for any regrowth or complications. Her story has sparked conversation across Thailand about health awareness, especially for women.
Her family has expressed deep gratitude to the hospital staff, saying the surgery not only saved her life but changed it entirely.
Final thoughts
Ratchanaporn’s ordeal is a sobering example of how health conditions can hide behind everyday assumptions. Her story urges us to look beyond surface-level causes and remain vigilant about our bodies. The takeaway is clear: if something feels off, don’t ignore it—seek medical advice.
