Behind every public figure's appearance lies a personal health and wellness routine. This series examines the diets, exercise habits, procedures, and beauty and fashion choices of notable figures as practical lifestyle information.
Actor Han Go-eun has revealed that a lump discovered during a routine health checkup grew to more than 5 centimeters within seven months, prompting surgery. She also shared that she returned to filming before fully recovering and later ended up in the emergency room with severe vomiting and low blood pressure.
Han shared the health struggles she experienced from early this year through recently on her YouTube channel Thursday.
She said a 3.2-centimeter lump was found in her left breast during a health checkup in January. A follow-up biopsy determined it was not malignant, and she opted to monitor it.
A recheck in August confirmed the lump had grown to more than 5 centimeters. "The tumor kept growing and went past 5 centimeters," she said. "They told me I needed surgery right away, so I had it done urgently."
Lumps found in the breast can take many forms, including benign tumors, cysts and malignant tumors. Even a tumor confirmed as benign may warrant surgical removal if it grows rapidly or begins pressing on surrounding tissue.
When a lump is found in the breast, the first priority is determining its nature. Even benign tumors may require surgery if they grow — and the rate of growth matters.
The most common benign breast lesions are fibroadenomas and cysts. A fibroadenoma forms when glandular and fibrous tissue in the breast proliferates, typically presenting as a well-defined, movable mass.
Cysts are fluid-filled lesions that vary in size and shape. They can change in size with hormonal fluctuations and may cause pain.
Mammography and ultrasound are used to identify the type of breast lump. Imaging examines the tumor's shape, borders and internal structure, and a biopsy is performed when needed.
For tumors diagnosed as benign, treatment decisions are based on size, symptoms and rate of growth.
Small, asymptomatic fibroadenomas can be managed through watchful waiting and regular breast exams. Removal is considered when a tumor grows rapidly or causes pain and discomfort.
Guidelines on managing benign breast fibroepithelial lesions published in 2025 by the American Society of Breast Surgeons and the Society of Breast Imaging also list tumor size and growth rate as key criteria for deciding on surgery.
The guidelines recommend considering surgical removal when a fibroadenoma confirmed by biopsy reaches 4 to 6 centimeters or shows clear growth.
For breast tumors that grow quickly, accurately identifying the type through biopsy is particularly important.
The specific pathological diagnosis of the lump Han found has not been disclosed. However, the significant increase in size from when it was first detected is understood to have been the basis for the medical team's decision to operate.
Han said she rested for about three days after the operation before returning to the set. Fatigue after breast lump removal surgery is common, and adequate recovery time is essential.
"The surgery went well, but I think the recovery period was a bit short," she said, adding that she experienced severe fatigue and body aches while continuing to film.
The scope of breast tumor removal surgery varies depending on the size and location of the lesion. Small benign tumors can be removed with a relatively straightforward excision, while larger lesions require a more careful approach that accounts for surrounding tissue.
After surgery, pain, swelling and bruising can occur as the incision heals. Fatigue from anesthesia and the procedure itself may also persist for some time.
The UK's National Health Service advises patients to rest adequately for the first 24 to 48 hours after benign breast lump removal surgery, gradually resuming normal activities as the surgical site heals.
Lifting heavy objects or making large upper-body movements immediately after surgery can put strain on the surgical site.
The breast area is particularly affected by arm and shoulder movement, as the surrounding skin and tissue move along with it. If pain persists or the wound has not healed sufficiently, limiting physical activity is advisable.
If redness around the surgical site worsens, or heat and swelling increase, inflammation or infection should be ruled out. Medical attention is also needed if discharge appears from the wound or pain intensifies.
Adequate sleep and nutrition are also important during recovery. Protein is essential for repairing damaged tissue, and a balanced intake of vitamins and minerals is also beneficial.
The timing of a return to work after surgery depends on the extent of tissue removed, the condition of the wound and the physical demands of the job. Those who work long hours or have physically demanding roles should adjust their schedules based on their recovery progress.
Han said she felt severe fatigue while filming after the surgery, and vomiting set in during the Chuseok holiday. Dehydration from persistent vomiting can cause blood pressure to drop.
"I was vomiting from the morning, and even water came back up, so I went to the emergency room," she said, describing how her blood pressure dropped and she felt her consciousness becoming hazy.
Repeated vomiting can rapidly deplete the body's fluids and electrolytes. The risk of dehydration rises significantly when a person cannot keep even water down.
Dehydration reduces the volume of fluid needed for circulation, which can cause blood pressure to fall. Dizziness, severe lethargy, heart palpitations and cold sweats may accompany the drop.
Low blood pressure is generally defined as a systolic reading below 90 mmHg or a diastolic reading below 60 mmHg. A significant drop in blood pressure can temporarily reduce blood flow to the brain, causing blurred vision or a fading of consciousness.
Post-surgical vomiting can have various causes. Nausea and vomiting may result from anesthesia or pain medication, while dehydration, infection and gastrointestinal conditions are also factors to consider.
The NHS notes that nausea and vomiting can occur after surgery. It recommends seeking medical care to check for dehydration and electrolyte imbalances if vomiting persists and fluids cannot be kept down.
Prompt medical attention is needed if vomiting is severe enough to prevent any fluid intake, or if a drop in blood pressure is accompanied by dizziness or altered consciousness. Depending on the condition, treatment may include intravenous fluids, electrolyte testing and care targeting the cause of the vomiting.
Han said her condition improved after receiving treatment in the emergency room, and she was discharged after follow-up tests found no further abnormalities.
During post-surgical recovery, it is important to monitor not only the wound but also overall physical stamina, fluid intake and nutritional status.
Even when a breast lump has been confirmed as benign, rapid growth or new symptoms warrant reassessment by a medical professional. After surgery, allowing sufficient recovery time before returning to daily life supports a full return to health.
rainbow@heraldcorp.com
