A woman had a 50-pound growth removed from her ovary — after doctors reportedly told her to lose weight
Overview
Alabama resident Kayla Rahn recently underwent surgery to remove a massive 50-pound mass from her ovary. Rahn had been experiencing unexplained weight gain and pain, and sought medical help. However, some professionals advised her to lose weight as a solution to her problems. It was only last month that Rahn received a diagnosis at Jackson Hospital in Montgomery, Alabama, where she was found to have a benign ovarian mass known as a mucinous cystadenoma. Dr. Gregory Jones, who assisted with the surgery, described the size of the mass as “quite irregular.” Both Rahn and Jones emphasized the importance of advocating for oneself in the doctor’s office.
The Onset of Symptoms
Kayla Rahn, a 30-year-old woman from Alabama, began experiencing pain, stomach issues, and weight gain last year. Her stomach started to feel hard, and her clothes no longer fit. Breathing became difficult, leaving her unable to play outside with her nieces and nephews. The pain was so intense that she would often end up in tears, and even putting on a pair of sneakers required assistance from her boyfriend. The weight gain led strangers to mistakenly believe she was pregnant, resulting in unsolicited comments and belly rubs. Rahn expressed her frustration, stating, “That’s not cool — you never know what a person’s going through.”
Seeking Medical Help
Rahn realized that something was wrong with her body, but it took several months before she received a proper diagnosis. She consulted four different doctors, some of whom she visited multiple times, in an attempt to understand her mysterious symptoms. However, these medical professionals suggested that weight loss was the solution to her problems. Rahn expressed a sense of helplessness, as she was already trying to lose weight. Eventually, her pain became unbearable, and her mother took her to the emergency room at Jackson Hospital in Montgomery.
A Shocking Discovery
During her visit to Jackson Hospital, tests revealed the presence of a massive growth on Rahn’s ovary. The hospital press release identified it as a mucinous cystadenoma, a benign ovarian mass. Rahn vividly recalls the emergency room doctor’s description of the growth, saying, “He was like, ‘Basically, you have a watermelon in your stomach.'” The surgery to remove the mass was scheduled for the following day.
The Unusual Size of the Growth
Dr. Gregory Jones, a gynecologist who was involved in the surgery, stated that the size of the mass was exceptionally large. He explained that this type of growth, categorized as either a cyst or a tumor, occurs when certain ovarian cells become trapped inside a balloon-like cyst lining. The growth continues to expand until it either ruptures or is removed. Although this type of growth is typically benign, Jones emphasized the irregularity of Rahn’s case, as the mass had progressed to an unusually large size. Earlier in 2018, a woman in Connecticut had a 132-pound mucinous cystadenoma removed, making headlines for a similar reason.
The Importance of Self-Advocacy
Rahn’s experience serves as a reminder that patients often need to become fierce advocates for themselves in doctor’s offices, particularly if they have larger bodies. Research suggests that some doctors hold negative opinions about heavier patients, which can influence the type of care they receive. This bias may result in physicians spending less time with obese patients or dismissing their concerns. Numerous anecdotes from patients support these claims, with individuals reporting instances of weight bias in medical settings. Rahn and Jones both stressed the importance of persistence and self-advocacy when something feels off. Patients should continue to bring up concerns to their physicians, make follow-up appointments, and consider bringing a loved one along for support and additional perspectives.
Recovery and Future Outlook
Following the successful removal of the tumor, Kayla Rahn is now in the recovery phase. In mid-July, she received clearance to return to work. Rahn expressed feeling “really good” despite the foot-long incision in her abdomen, which makes bending over challenging. She joyfully shared her experience of being able to try on clothes she hadn’t been able to wear for quite some time. The road to recovery is ongoing, but Rahn’s determination and resilience have brought her to a positive place.
It is essential to learn from Kayla Rahn’s experience and recognize the importance of advocating for oneself in medical situations. Patients must trust their instincts and continue seeking answers when something feels wrong. The journey to proper diagnosis and treatment can be challenging, but persistence and self-advocacy can lead to successful outcomes.