Olympic Figure Skater Maia Shibutani Reveals the Tumor She Had Removed Was Cancerous

Ashley Boucher
Olympic Figure Skater Maia Shibutani Reveals the Tumor She Had Removed Was Cancerous

Maia Shibutani, who revealed earlier this week that she had a tumor removed over the weekend, is sharing that the mass was cancerous.

“I got my pathology report back – the tumor that was successfully removed on Saturday was unfortunately malignant (cancer). (SDH)-deficient renal cell carcinoma,” the Olympian wrote on Instagram on Friday, alongside a photo of a bouquet of flowers. She previously said that doctors put the odds at the mass being malignant at 60/40.

“This wasn’t the news I was hoping for, but I am beyond thankful that it was detected early and that my surgery went well,” she continued, sharing that “no further treatment is required at this time.”

“The next steps are for me to continue focusing on recovering and healing,” she said. “All of the positive thoughts and support mean so much to me. My heart is so full. Thank you. ❤️”

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I got my pathology report back - the tumor that was successfully removed on Saturday was unfortunately malignant (cancer). (SDH)-deficient renal cell carcinoma. This wasn’t the news I was hoping for, but I am beyond thankful that it was detected early and that my surgery went well. No further treatment is required at this time - the next steps are for me to continue focusing on recovering and healing. All of the positive thoughts and support mean so much to me. My heart is so full. Thank you. ❤️

A post shared by Maia Shibutani (@maiashibutani) on Dec 20, 2019 at 12:28pm PST

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All of the messages of love and positivity have meant a lot and are so appreciated. Generally, things are moving in the right direction. I had to spend an extra night in the hospital following my surgery, but I was discharged yesterday afternoon. Unfortunately, the pain post-surgery has been worse than I anticipated. I’ve had my fair share of injuries in skating and I’m used to muscle and bone stuff, but this is different. It was explained to me that since I am young and in good shape, my muscles and nerves are really sensitive. Walking and making even smaller body movements is currently very painful and extremely challenging. It’s been tough to not feel discouraged and weak, but focusing on gratitude has really helped. My parents are with me and Alex was able to support me through those difficult first steps. I’m grateful for all of the messages of encouragement - I feel very cared for and supported. This recovery will take time and I’m still waiting on news, but I’m determined to come back stronger.

A post shared by Maia Shibutani (@maiashibutani) on Dec 17, 2019 at 4:42pm PST

RELATED: U.S. Olympic Figure Skater Maia Shibutani Discovers ‘Shocking’ Tumor After ER Trip for Stomach Virus

Maia, 25, who makes up one half of the the skating duo known fondly as the “Shib Sibs” with her brother Alex Shibutani, sent shockwaves throughout the figure skating community on Monday when she shared the “deeply personal news” of her tumor, which she said she did to avoid the spread of rumors.

The tumor was first spotted by doctors after the two-time Olympian visited the emergency room in October for a stomach virus.

After sharing the news of her unexpected medical issues on Monday, Shibutani gave another update on Tuesday, saying that she had been discharged on Monday afternoon after an extra night at the hospital, but that the post-surgery pain has been “worse” than she anticipated.

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It’s been a really tough week. Back in October, I got sick and had to go to the ER while I was in New York. It ended up being a stomach virus, but they ran some tests that showed an abnormality - it was recommended that I have a follow-up appointment to take a closer look. After an MRI earlier this week in LA, I was told that I had a small mass on one of my kidneys. Receiving this news has been incredibly shocking and difficult to handle. I’ve been so scared, but I have had the full support of my family, doctors, and nurses. I had surgery yesterday to remove the tumor. The surgery was successful and I was able to keep the rest of my kidney. I am in recovery at the hospital and have been in a lot of pain post-surgery, but I am grateful. My doctor said there is a 60/40 chance that the tumor was malignant versus benign (we will know soon), but I am young, healthy, and feel fortunate that this was detected so early. While this is deeply personal news, I don’t want rumors to spread, or for anyone to worry in case people say they saw me at the hospital. (Next time, just say “hi”) • I am going to try and stay positive and focus on my recovery. I appreciate all of the support and good vibes sent my way. My fingers are crossed, too. ❤️

A post shared by Maia Shibutani (@maiashibutani) on Dec 15, 2019 at 5:05pm PST

“I’ve had my fair share of injuries in skating and I’m used to muscle and bone stuff, but this is different. It was explained to me that since I am young and in good shape, my muscles and nerves are really sensitive. Walking and making even smaller body movements is currently very painful and extremely challenging,” she wrote alongside a photo of herself and Alex, 28, walking with her down a hospital hallway.

Maia Shibutani | Paul Zimmerman/Getty Images
Maia Shibutani | Paul Zimmerman/Getty Images
Alex and Maia Shibutani | Ed Rode/Getty Images
Alex and Maia Shibutani | Ed Rode/Getty Images

RELATED: U.S. Siblings Alex and Maia Shibutani Win Bronze in Ice Dancing as Canada Takes Home Olympic Gold

“It’s been tough to not feel discouraged and weak, but focusing on gratitude has really helped,” she continued. “My parents are with me and Alex was able to support me through those difficult first steps. I’m grateful for all of the messages of encouragement – I feel very cared for and supported.”

The athlete added that she is “determined to come back stronger.”

Maia and Alex took home a bronze medal in 2018’s Winter Olympics in PyeongChang and helped Team USA clinch the third-medal spot with a paired free dance.