TV Anchor Shares Health Scare With Public, Offers Warning to Women [VIDEO]

WXYZ's Carolyn Clifford shares her experience of having a fibroid tumor removed, and warns to pay close attention to their bodies and seek medical attention if they suspect something may be going on.

The Detroit mainstay says she noticed that her belly was getting larger and began to have difficulty emptying her bladder. Her symptoms also included headaches and nausea. An ultrasound revealed that Clifford had a mass which was about the size of a football and several others that were threatening to compromise her internal organs.

In the video below, she shares her journey and that of her family as Channel 7 photographer John Ciolino captured her story.

Clifford goes on to say that fibroid tumors are common, especially as women near the age of menopause but notes that women should watch for unusual signs.

"Most gynecologists, like mine, will tell you if your fibroids are not bothering you don't worry about them because they usually shrink once you begin menopause. Dr. Chobanian agreed with that advice. Despite annual pap smears, physicals and mammograms, I still had no idea a fibroid was growing that large inside me."

Symptoms can include heavy menstrual bleeding, menstrual periods lasting more than a week, pelvic pressure or pain, frequent urination, difficulty emptying your bladder, constipation, backache or leg pains. Clifford urges women to see a doctor immediately if they experience pelvic pain that doesn't go away, overly heavy, prolonged or painful periods, spotting or bleeding between periods and difficulty emptying the bladder.