Nisha Pandey

Health and Me

Woman’s Bleeding & Abdominal Swelling Linked To Rare Cancer After Being Mistaken For Perimenopause: What Is FATWO

A 43-year-old mother from Northern Ireland got diagnosed with an exceptionally rare cancer after months of pain, continual bleeding and abdominal swelling. She said that these symptoms were initially and inaccurately attributed to <span>perimenopause</span>, anxiety and constipation.

Nicola Crymble’s symptoms started in 2024 after she had a copper <span>intrauterine device</span> (IUD) inserted. The bleeding and pain became so severe that she had the device removed while she was in Kenya doing mission work. “I was constantly bleeding, there was so much pain,” Crymble said.

However, her symptoms persisted even after she returned home. She said doctors initially suggested that <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/world-menopause-day-2026-perimenopause-can-begin-in-your-late-30s-what-changes-should-you-watch-for-article-156357606" data-type="tilCustomLink">perimenopause</a> and anxiety could explain what she was experiencing.

By December 2024, Crymble had noticed a lump in her abdomen. It continued to grow, making everyday activities challenging. She said people even thought she was pregnant because of the swelling. She eventually went to hospital and underwent scans, which revealed a mass near her cervix. Doctors initially thought it might be a cyst.

<h2>Crymble Got Diagnosed With <span rel="noindex">FATWO</span>, A Rare Cancer </h2>

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/dr-rachna-shroff-indian-american-cancer-researcher-who-turned-her-diagnosis-into-advocacy-article-156349587" data-type="tilCustomLink">Dr Rachna Shroff: Indian-American Cancer Researcher Who Turned Her Diagnosis Into Advocacy</a>

Crymble underwent major surgery in February 2025 to remove the tumour. She also chose to have her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed during the procedure. A month later, she received the diagnosis that she had <span>female adnexal tumour of probable Wolffian origin</span>, commonly known as <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/people-with-rare-diseases-had-higher-recorded-covid-19-rates-uk-study-based-on-62-5-million-people-article-156368477" data-type="tilCustomLink">FATWO</a>.

The tumour is believed to develop from remnants of the Wolffian duct, an embryonic structure involved in the development of the reproductive and urinary systems. Although these structures usually regress during female development, residual tissue can sometimes pave the way for tumour growth.

FATWO is an exceptionally rare form of cancer. There are only around 150 documented cases recorded worldwide. While many FATWO tumours do not metastatize, some can behave aggressively. In Crymble’s case, the cancer later spread to her liver and vaginal vault, the upper part of the vaginal canal.

She experienced intense pain beneath her ribs before a scan revealed that the cancer had spread. Further surgery was ruled out because the tumour growths were too close to other organs.

<h2>Chemotherapy As Surgery Was Not An Option</h2>

Male Infertility, IVF Myths & Biological Clock | IVF Pioneer Answers

With surgery no longer an option, Crymble and her doctors decided to proceed with <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/jeana-keoughs-cancer-battle-why-the-rhoc-star-is-struggling-to-recover-after-tongue-cancer-treatment-article-156382561" data-type="tilCustomLink">chemotherapy</a>. She began treatment on October 13, 2026, and is expected to undergo six rounds, one every three weeks.

The family is also looking for specialist advice because there is limited information available about the rare disease and the best way to treat it. Her husband, Andrew Crymble, said doctors had little experience with the condition.

“They've never seen it before, they don't know how to treat it,” he said, explaining why the family decided to share her story publicly. They hope it will reach researchers or doctors who may have more information about FATWO.

Crymble has stopped working and has found it difficult to maintain her usual family routines while undergoing treatment. The family is also seeking financial support after discovering that their life insurance coverage will not cover the treatment.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/amgen-astrazenecas-new-treatment-combination-cuts-advanced-lung-cancer-death-risk-by-58-in-trial-article-156400362" data-type="tilCustomLink">Amgen &amp; AstraZeneca's New Treatment Combination Cuts Advanced Lung Cancer Death Risk By 58% In Trial</a>

<h2>Symptoms That Warrant Immediate Attention</h2>

Perimenopause can cause changes in menstrual patterns, like irregular periods. But unexplained bleeding, stubborn abdominal pain, lump or unusual swelling should not automatically be attributed to hormonal changes without seeking medical intervention.

These symptoms can occur due to many causes, and they do not necessarily indicate cancer. But worsening or unusual symptoms demand medical assessment, especially when they do not improve or when new symptoms develop.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

womans-bleeding-abdominal-swelling-linked-to-rare-cancer-after-being-mistaken-for-perimenopause-what-is-fatwo

fatwo

Perimenopause

fatwo cancer

what is fatwo

rachna shroff

fatwo cancer symptoms

intrauterine device

female adnexal tumour of probable Wolffian origin

FATWO tumour

first-human-spinal-cord-transplant-reported-in-russia-but-can-it-reverse-paralysis

First Human Spinal Cord Transplant Reported In Russia But Can It Reverse Paralysis?

heatwaves-noise-air-pollution-can-harm-mental-health-too-new-global-commission-warns

Heatwaves, Noise & Air Pollution Can Harm Mental Health Too: New Global Commission Warns

Health & Wellness

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

A 43-year-old mother from Northern Ireland got diagnosed with an exceptionally rare cancer after months of pain, continual bleeding and abdominal swelling. She said that these symptoms were initially and inaccurately attributed to perimenopause, anxiety and constipation.Nicola Crymble’s symptoms started in 2024 after she had a copper intrauterine device (IUD) inserted. The bleeding and pain became so severe that she had the device removed while she was in Kenya doing mission work. “I was constantly bleeding, there was so much pain,” Crymble said.However, her symptoms persisted even after she returned home. She said doctors initially suggested that perimenopause and anxiety could explain what she was experiencing.By December 2024, Crymble had noticed a lump in her abdomen. It continued to grow, making everyday activities challenging. She said people even thought she was pregnant because of the swelling. She eventually went to hospital and underwent scans, which revealed a mass near her cervix. Doctors initially thought it might be a cyst.Crymble Got Diagnosed With FATWO, A Rare Cancer Also read: Dr Rachna Shroff: Indian-American Cancer Researcher Who Turned Her Diagnosis Into AdvocacyCrymble underwent major surgery in February 2025 to remove the tumour. She also chose to have her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed during the procedure. A month later, she received the diagnosis that she had female adnexal tumour of probable Wolffian origin, commonly known as FATWO.The tumour is believed to develop from remnants of the Wolffian duct, an embryonic structure involved in the development of the reproductive and urinary systems. Although these structures usually regress during female development, residual tissue can sometimes pave the way for tumour growth.FATWO is an exceptionally rare form of cancer. There are only around 150 documented cases recorded worldwide. While many FATWO tumours do not metastatize, some can behave aggressively. In Crymble’s case, the cancer later spread to her liver and vaginal vault, the upper part of the vaginal canal.She experienced intense pain beneath her ribs before a scan revealed that the cancer had spread. Further surgery was ruled out because the tumour growths were too close to other organs.Chemotherapy As Surgery Was Not An Option                     With surgery no longer an option, Crymble and her doctors decided to proceed with chemotherapy. She began treatment on October 13, 2026, and is expected to undergo six rounds, one every three weeks.The family is also looking for specialist advice because there is limited information available about the rare disease and the best way to treat it. Her husband, Andrew Crymble, said doctors had little experience with the condition.“They've never seen it before, they don't know how to treat it,” he said, explaining why the family decided to share her story publicly. They hope it will reach researchers or doctors who may have more information about FATWO.Crymble has stopped working and has found it difficult to maintain her usual family routines while undergoing treatment. The family is also seeking financial support after discovering that their life insurance coverage will not cover the treatment.Also read: Amgen & AstraZeneca's New Treatment Combination Cuts Advanced Lung Cancer Death Risk By 58% In TrialSymptoms That Warrant Immediate AttentionPerimenopause can cause changes in menstrual patterns, like irregular periods. But unexplained bleeding, stubborn abdominal pain, lump or unusual swelling should not automatically be attributed to hormonal changes without seeking medical intervention.These symptoms can occur due to many causes, and they do not necessarily indicate cancer. But worsening or unusual symptoms demand medical assessment, especially when they do not improve or when new symptoms develop.

woman’s bleeding & abdominal swelling linked to rare cancer after being mistaken for perimenopause: what is fatwo

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

Woman’s Bleeding & Abdominal Swelling Linked To Rare Cancer After Being Mistaken For Perimenopause: What Is FATWO

Heatwaves, Noise & Air Pollution Can Harm Mental Health Too: New Global Commission Warns

'It’s The Best-Studied Vaccine In Human History': Former CDC Adviser Busts Common Myths About COVID Vaccines

Fruits & Vegetables May Help Prevent Acid Buildup Better Than Oral Sodium Bicarbonate In CKD: 10-Year Trial

Health Conditions A-Z

Woman’s Bleeding & Abdominal Swelling Linked To Rare Cancer After Being Mistaken For Perimenopause: What Is FATWO

First Human Spinal Cord Transplant Reported In Russia But Can It Reverse Paralysis?

Heatwaves, Noise & Air Pollution Can Harm Mental Health Too: New Global Commission Warns