Brandi Glanville Reveals Benign Tumor Diagnosis Amid Ongoing Health Struggles

Reality TV star Brandi Glanville has disclosed a benign tumor diagnosis in her facial lymph node, potentially explaining her long-standing health issues. After years of discomfort and misdiagnosis, she emphasizes the importance of advocating for one's health and seeking second opinions. Glanville's journey highlights the need for medical evaluation of persistent symptoms, as benign tumors, while non-cancerous, can still cause significant discomfort. Her experience serves as a reminder for others to prioritize their health and seek timely medical advice.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 25, 2026, 08:26 IST

Brandi Glanville's Health Update

Brandi Glanville, known from reality television, has recently provided an update regarding her health challenges, announcing that a benign tumor has been found in one of her facial lymph nodes. Although the tumor is non-cancerous, she suspects it may be the reason behind her ongoing facial swelling, fluid retention, and discomfort that have plagued her for almost three years. The former star of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills shared this news during her podcast, Brandi Glanville Unfiltered, explaining that she had consistently expressed concerns about a lump on her face, only to be told it was likely scar tissue. Glanville noted that the swelling has become so pronounced that she can only wear makeup for a short time before discomfort forces her to remove it.

The diagnosis followed a visit to a dermatologist specializing in skin cancer, where blood tests confirmed the presence of the benign tumor. Glanville expressed frustration over the lump's previous misdiagnosis, despite undergoing extensive medical evaluations over the years. She stated, “I have a benign tumor in one of my lymph nodes in my face. That could be why the fluid is going around my face and why it's having a hard time like I can't. I can wear makeup for like 15 minutes, and then I have to take it off. A benign tumor is not cancerous,” she mentioned during her podcast.

Understanding Benign Tumors

What is a benign tumor?

A benign tumor is characterized by an abnormal cell growth that does not invade surrounding tissues or spread like cancer. However, depending on its size and location, it can still cause symptoms by exerting pressure on nearby tissues, nerves, or blood vessels. When a benign tumor forms near or within a lymph node, it can disrupt normal lymphatic drainage, leading to fluid buildup, facial swelling, tenderness, or a noticeable lump—symptoms that Glanville has described.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Why should persistent facial swelling be evaluated?

While occasional facial swelling is common and usually harmless, persistent swelling lasting weeks or months warrants medical evaluation. Potential causes include:

Enlarged or infected lymph nodes
Benign tumors
Salivary gland disorders
Dental infections
Autoimmune diseases
Allergic reactions
Rarely, cancers affecting the head and neck

A lump that persists, especially if it grows or is accompanied by pain, numbness, difficulty swallowing, or unexplained weight loss, should not be overlooked.

The Importance of Second Opinions

The importance of seeking a second opinion

Glanville's experience highlights the necessity of advocating for one's health. She revealed that multiple doctors dismissed her concerns about the lump as mere scar tissue despite her ongoing symptoms. While many lumps are benign, experts advise seeking a second opinion if:

A lump persists for more than two to four weeks.
Symptoms worsen despite treatment.
The diagnosis fails to explain the ongoing discomfort.
New symptoms arise, such as increasing swelling or difficulty moving the affected area.

Advanced imaging tests like ultrasounds, CT scans, MRIs, or biopsies may be needed to accurately determine the cause.

Brandi's Ongoing Health Journey

Brandi's ongoing health battle

For nearly two years, Glanville has openly shared her struggles with facial disfigurement and swelling while seeking answers. She has previously suggested that her health issues may have begun after filming Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip in Morocco, suspecting that contaminated food during production could have led to a parasitic infection, although this link has not been medically verified. Despite her recent diagnosis, Glanville remains optimistic that identifying the benign tumor may help her understand the root of her symptoms and lead to effective treatment. Her journey serves as a crucial reminder that while benign tumors are not cancerous, persistent facial swelling, unexplained lumps, and ongoing discomfort should always be assessed by a healthcare professional. Early diagnosis can help identify the underlying cause, alleviate symptoms, and prevent unnecessary delays in treatment.