Thai Woman's “Big Belly” Turns Out to Be an 8kg Ovarian Cyst

What Seemed Like Weight Gain Was a Hidden Tumour

A 31-year-old woman from Satun province, southern Thailand, Ratchanaporn, unknowingly carried an 8-kilogram ovarian cyst in her abdomen for years, mistaking it for typical weight gain.

According to The Thaiger, Ratchanaporn’s family believed her expanding stomach was simply the result of overeating.

Alarming Symptoms Prompt Urgent Medical Attention

However, her condition took a serious turn when she began to experience shortness of breath and visible discomfort. Her mother, Ratchanee, noticed her daughter suffering from tightness in her chest, trouble breathing, and even bulging eyes.

As her stomach grew, it resembled that of someone pregnant with twins, prompting the family to finally seek medical help.

Doctors First Suspected Pregnancy

The situation came to a head on July 31, when Ratchanaporn was admitted to Satun Hospital.

Due to her significantly swollen abdomen, initial assessments led doctors to consider pregnancy. But an ultrasound revealed the real issue: a 30-centimetre-wide ovarian cyst pressing against her internal organs.

The cyst had developed over several years and was only discovered after it grew large enough to cause serious symptoms.

Six-Hour Surgery to Remove the Giant Cyst

The procedure, which lasted over six hours, was complex due to the cyst’s size and the internal pressure it had caused.

Fortunately, the surgical team successfully removed the mass and closely monitored Ratchanaporn’s recovery.

Photo courtesy of คลินิกสูตินรีเวชหมอธมน สตูล on Facebook

Further confirmation came from a Facebook post by คลินิกสูตินรีเวชหมอธมน สตูล (Dr. Thamon’s OB-GYN clinic in Satun), which stated:

“This case involved a 30 cm, 8 kg ovarian cyst. The patient unknowingly carried the mass for several years and only came to the doctor when her abdomen became extremely tight. There was also severe adhesion.

Thank you to the Satun Hospital surgical team for taking care of her from pre-operation until her safe return home.”

Patient Is Now Recovering Safely at Home

Thankfully, after the lengthy surgery, Ratchanaporn was discharged and is now recovering safely at home, according to the clinic’s official update.

What Is an Ovarian Cyst?

An ovarian cyst is a sac filled with fluid that develops in or on the surface of an ovary.

Most women will have one at some point during their reproductive years, and most cysts are harmless and go away on their own within a few months.

However, when a cyst becomes very large, like in Ratchanaporn’s case, it can press against nearby organs and cause discomfort or more serious symptoms.

According to Mayo Clinic, common signs of a larger cyst include:

Pelvic pain or a dull ache
Bloating or heaviness in the abdomen
A feeling of pressure or fullness

Seek medical help immediately if you experience sudden, severe pelvic pain, pain with vomiting or fever, or symptoms of shock such as lightheadedness or clammy skin.