For 18 months, Lydia Musivi, 17, carried a burden that went far beyond the physical. Rapid and excessive breast growth, a rare condition known as gigantomastia, left her struggling to walk, sit, or even stand upright. Chronic pain, skin infections, and emotional distress became her daily reality, and her dreams of finishing school felt increasingly out of reach.
Gigantomastia, sometimes called extreme breast hypertrophy, is an uncommon condition that causes uncontrollable breast enlargement, often resulting in severe physical strain and emotional distress. Those affected may experience persistent pain in the back, neck, and shoulders, headaches, and skin complications such as rashes, sores, or infections. The condition can develop during puberty, pregnancy, or without a clear cause, and treatment options range from conservative medical management to corrective surgery.
On September 22, 2025, a team of surgeons at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) performed a landmark procedure: the removal of 20.86 kilograms of breast tissue, believed to be the largest gigantomastia surgery ever performed worldwide. The weight removed represented 37% of Lydia’s total body weight, the equivalent of carrying over a third of one’s own body mass concentrated in a single region, roughly equal to lifting a small adult on the chest. The procedure freed her from both a physical and emotional burden.
“The weight is now over. I feel free, lighter, and ready to return to school,” Lydia said, smiling. “I can finally live the life I was meant to live and follow my dream of becoming a high school teacher.”
The 11-hour surgery was led by Dr. Benjamin Wabwire, Head of Specialized Surgery and Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon at KNH.
“This was more than a surgical success. It was the restoration of a young woman’s dignity and future,” Dr. Wabwire said. “Our team at KNH proved that with world-class skill and deep compassion, we can overcome even the most extreme medical challenges. We are not just treating conditions, we are transforming lives.”
The multidisciplinary team included Professor Lew and Dr. Kim from South Korea’s Yonsei University, alongside KNH surgeons Dr. Claire Odero, Dr. Agnes Wanjiru, and Dr. Joy Mwangi. The anesthesia team, led by Dr. Eileen Towette and Dr. Helen Mwari, and nurses under Ms. Esther Munga and Ms. Eun Jin Chae, provided critical care throughout Lydia’s journey.
Her path to KNH was guided by the determination of her mother, Ms. Naomi Mutendwa:
“I watched my daughter disappear under the weight of this illness. It stole her confidence and her future. We felt hopeless until we were referred to KNH from Garissa County Referral Hospital,” she said. “The team here saw the girl, not just the condition. They don’t just treat her. They gave me back my daughter. They have given her a second chance at life.”
Acting KNH CEO Dr. Richard Lesiyampe, CBS, highlighted the broader significance:
“This milestone demonstrates that while world-class medical breakthroughs are happening right here in Kenya, we are solving local health challenges with a global standard of innovation and a deeply humane touch, setting new benchmarks for patient-centered care.”
Now discharged and recuperating at home in Mwingi, Kitui County, Lydia looks forward to returning to school in January 2026. Her experience brings attention to both the physical and emotional challenges of gigantomastia and the advanced surgical interventions now available in East Africa.
Symptoms of Gigantomastia
The condition often results in extreme physical strain. Patients may experience:
- Rapid and excessive breast growth
- Severe back, neck, and shoulder pain
- Postural problems and difficulty standing upright
- Skin irritation, rashes, or ulcers beneath the breasts
- Stretch marks and recurrent infections due to skin folds
- Headaches from neck strain
- Difficulty walking or performing daily activities
Emotional and psychological effects include anxiety, depression, social withdrawal, low self-esteem, and stress related to limited mobility and chronic pain. Other complications can include difficulty breathing in severe cases, fatigue, and challenges with clothing.
According to medical literature, gigantomastia occurs in approximately 1 in 28,000 to 1 in 100,000 pregnancies, with only about 300 cases documented globally (Cleveland Clinic). A retrospective study of 68 females found that an average of 4.5 kilograms of breast tissue was removed, representing roughly 4.3% of body weight (PubMed). Experts stress the importance of early diagnosis and tailored treatment plans to improve quality of life.
Heaviest Recorded Gigantomastia Removal Cases
- Kenya (2025): 20.86 kg removed from Lydia Musivi, setting a record for the heaviest surgery on a teenager.
- Peru (2010): Over 15 kg removed from a woman who had been bedridden for six months.
- USA (2014): 6.8 kg of breast tissue removed in a reported surgical case.
- India (2022): 12 kg removed from a 21-year-old patient during a reduction surgery.
