"It was truly haunting," the teaching student said.
Marcondes had a normal childhood until she was 14. Then her breasts began to grow uncontrollably, gaining about 750 grams each month. Her clothes quickly became too small, forcing her to have clothes custom-made because even the largest sizes wouldn't fit. She once tried on eight bras, but none of them worked.
Her aunt was the first to express concern, but Marcondes didn't pay attention until strangers started staring and pointing. "Once, in a supermarket, I was suspected of shoplifting and hiding merchandise in my top," she said. This unusual growth soon affected nearly every aspect of her life. Daily activities became difficult, and she experienced constant back, neck, and shoulder pain.
Her large breasts made even simple tasks like clipping her toenails and putting on shoes incredibly inconvenient. She couldn't run or go to the gym like her friends. At times, the pain was so severe that she had to use a wheelchair.
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Marcondes before her breast reduction surgery. Photo: NY Post |
Marcondes before her breast reduction surgery. Photo: NY Post
Initially, doctors worried Marcondes had cancer, but she was later diagnosed with gigantomastia, a rare condition causing excessive and uncontrolled breast growth.
Only about 300 cases of gigantomastia have been recorded worldwide. The condition can occur spontaneously or be linked to hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, obesity, medication use, or autoimmune disorders.
Gigantomastia causes breast tissue to grow at an abnormally rapid rate, far exceeding normal growth. Some individuals experience changes in several bra sizes within just a few days, like Marcondes, while others see a slower progression over years.
In addition to pain and postural problems, gigantomastia can cause nipple numbness, infections, skin breakdown beneath the breasts, and psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, and negative body image.
Some cases are treated with medication to slow the growth, but most require surgery. In severe situations, doctors may recommend complete breast removal.
At their heaviest, Marcondes' breasts weighed around 12 kg. A plastic surgeon in Virginia, USA, stated that this size far exceeds the typical range.
Last year, on 25/10, she underwent breast reduction surgery. Marcondes raised 7,200 USD to cover the expenses.
"I looked in the mirror and thought, 'Oh my god, I'm beautiful'," she said. "I cried while still in disbelief that I had done it."
However, the surgery came with a price. Marcondes lost all sensation in her nipples and will be unable to breastfeed in the future. Although she says she feels liberated, doctors warned her that the breast tissue could grow back and requires ongoing monitoring.
Ngoc Ngan (From NY Post)
