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Serena Williams reveals she had large cyst removed from her neck

A grateful Williams said she is still cancer-free and is "fortunate everything worked out."
Serena Williams
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Retired tennis superstar Serena Williams revealed in a TikTok video that she had a cyst removed from her neck.

Williams said she initially noticed the lump in May and was told after an MRI that it was a branchial cyst.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, branchial cleft cysts are non-cancerous fluid-filled sacs under the skin.

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The 43-year-old said her doctors initially told her she didn't need to get the cyst removed, but it kept growing. After multiple tests and a biopsy, Williams said doctors advised her to get the cyst, which was apparently the size of a grapefruit, removed.

A grateful Williams said she is still cancer-free and is "fortunate everything worked out."

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"I am still recovering, but getting better," Willaims said on X. "Health always comes first."

Williams, who retired from tennis in 2022 with 23 grand slam titles in singles, has maintained a busy personal and professional life. She gave birth to her second child in August 2023. In July of this year, she received rave reviews after hosting the ESPY Awards.

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Nick Walters

Nick Walters

Senior Sports Reporter

Alex Eschelman

Alex Eschelman

Sports Multimedia Journalist

Rochelle Richards

Rochelle Richards, senior sports producer

Rochelle Richards

Senior Sports Producer