Tennis star Serena Williams reveals she's had 'grapefruit-sized lump' removed from her neck

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By Asiya Ali

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Serena Williams has disclosed that she had a "grapefruit-size cyst" removed from her neck.

The 43-year-old Tennis champion, who is a mother of two, took to TikTik to open up about a recent health scare.

Serena WilliamsSerena Williams opened up about her health scare. Credit: Kevin Mazur / Getty

Williams revealed to her followers that she first noticed a lump on her neck back in May.

“I immediately went to the doc got a MRI and was told I have a brachial cyst,” she penned in the caption.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, brachial cysts are "small fluid-filled sacs that may look like lumps under your skin on the side of your neck".

They can appear at any age but are most often found in children. Though they are typically benign, meaning not cancerous, doctors may recommend surgery "to prevent or treat infections or recurrent (returning) swelling," per the outlet.

Watch Williams' TikTok below:

The Grandslam champion learned the cyst "kept growing" on her skin and was the size of a grapefruit, so medics advised her to have it removed.

“It kind of hurt coming out. Obviously, I went under for it, but they had to put a drain in it because it was so much,” she said in the video. “But everything worked out, and I feel really happy to have worked with some great doctors."

Williams recorded herself after the operation with a bandage visible on her neck and sporting a face mask. "I am feeli[n]g so grateful and fortunate everything worked out, and most of all, I'm healthy," she penned in the caption.

The end of the clip shows the mom-of-two going to an American Girl doll store with her eldest daughter, Olympia, while still recovering from the surgery.

"Mommy is suffering, but mom has to keep showing up," Williams quipped in the video.

Serena WilliamsSerena Williams with her husband Alexis Ohanian and daughter Olympia. Credit: Frazer Harrison / Getty

Many fans have taken to the comment section to send their well wishes to the incredible athlete.

"So glad it wasn’t the big c and you are going to be better!! Your precious girls need their momma," one user wrote.

"Praying for an amazing recovery," a second chimed in. "Ohhhh wishing you a strong recovery Champ," a third added.

Wiliams shared the video on TikTok on X and wrote in the captions that she missed many events because of the surgery such as Glamour Magazine's Woman of the Year awards, and fellow Tennis star Rafael Nadal's retirement.

"I am still recovering, but getting better. Health always comes first," she added, to which her husband, Alexis Ohanian, responded: "You’re such a fighter. And such a great mama."

The couple also share a second daughter named Adira River Ohanian.

Featured image credit: Marc Piasecki / Getty