Surgeons in Turkey have removed a massive, 22-pound tumour from the abdomen of an elderly woman who went to hospital for shortness of breath.

Turkan Karademir – of Divrigi, Sivas Province – had been complaining to doctors of abdominal and lower back pain for three years.

But the mother of four was sent home each time, with medics telling her variously that her pain was due to trapped gas, weight gain or simply old age.

But the 72-year-old started to experience such breathlessness and pain that she had to be taken to Divrigi Sadik Ozgur Public Hospital on 25th June.

From there, she was referred to Sivas Cumhuriyet University Hospital for tests, which was when the giant tumour was found.

Surgeons removed the incredible mass in a complex, four-hour operation.

Pictures taken after the op show the blue and brown marbled tumour the size of a medicine ball being held by surgeon Dr Savas Karakus.

After a brief period of recovery, delighted Turkan was discharged.

Dr Karakus said: “I have never encountered such a large mass in my 25 years of professional life.”

He said the tumour weighed an amazing 10 kilogrammes (22 lbs) and measured 55 centimetres (22 inches) across.

Newly-recovered Turkan said: “I was having difficulties in eating, breathing, bending over. I was in pain and went to the hospital in Divrigi.

“I was brought to Sivas Cumhuriyet University Hospital. Then Savas and Dilay [another of the team] did my surgery.”

She added: “I did not have much pain and I became younger after the operation.”