big ang
"Mob Wives" star Angela "Big Ang" Raiola appears in New York's Times Square on Tuesday, March 31, 2015. Days after the event, doctors reportedly discovered a lemon-sized tumor in her throat. She is to undergo an operation to have it removed soon. Getty Images

“Mob Wives” star Angela “Big Ang” Raiola is speaking out amid reports that she is currently in the hospital. TMZ reported that the reality TV star had been hospitalized Thursday, claiming doctors had discovered a large tumor in her throat. Raiola has since released a statement, shared on her Facebook page, confirming that she is in fact going through some “nerve-wracking” medical issues right now, but is recovering at home.

“Hi my babies! I am finally able to take a moment to speak to you all. First off, my apologies that you had to find out about my condition from every other outlet but me. This was never my intent, but unfortunately it got out there,” she wrote. “Secondly, I want to clarify the rumors that I am hospitalized. I went in for a test due to the nodule in my throat. I had a nerve wracking couple of days, as would anyone when you hear testing etc….However, I am home peaceful and relaxing.”

According to E! News, Raiola sought medical attention after weeks of pain in her neck. During her visit, doctors discovered a large tumor in the the native New Yorker's throat. According to Janine Detore, Big Ang's sister, the tumor is located in or around the VH1 star's voice box. She tells TMZ it is malignant and they are currently waiting on results on whether the cancer is spreading. Ang has been a heavy smoker for 42 years, which doctors, family and friends fear may have been a contributing factor. She has reportedly been ordered to give up smoking.

"We are hoping for the best and are focusing on getting through the holiday. We love the fans and want to thank them," Detore said.

The 51-year-old assured fans that she “isn’t going anywhere” and will be having the mass removed in the coming week. Raiola did not confirm whether or not the tumor was as big as reports have claimed, but did share that doctors were able to catch it early. She warned fans, “don’t neglect your health” and thanked them for their continued support.

Despite the health scare, which Raiola insists is only “a minor setback,” she has every intention of returning to reality TV. It has been rumored that the “Mob Wives” star is currently working on another spinoff series. If the reports are true, this will be her third show.

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