Scotland rugby star Emma Wassell has thanked medical staff and her close friends and family after she had a tumour removed from her chest.

The Aberdonian, 29, previously withdrew from the Scotland squad following her diagnosis in September, ahead of games against Wales, Italy, Japan, Australia and South Africa.

The lock has amassed an impressive 67 caps for Scotland across a 10-year international career, but she said rugby would be "put on hold" after undergoing an emergency biopsy surgery.

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She previously believed she had gone into hospital with a bit of bread stuck in her throat before doctors discovered the tumour.

The Loughborough Lightning star underwent a sternotomy in Edinburgh on Tuesday, and now hopes it will be "the end of a crazy old chapter."

Giving an update on Instagram, she posted: "From emergency biopsy surgery in August to a full Sternotomy in November.

"Tumour removed, with a pretty cool scar to back it up and what is hopefully, the end of a crazy old chapter.

"Grateful beyond words to every doctor and nurse at Edinburgh Royal infirmary for the care I’ve been given not only this past week but when I was first admitted in August - doing God's work!!!

And finally, my friends & family - you are truly unmatched and I could not have made it through any of this without you all.

"For now, I’ve been granted full princess mode whilst I rest, recover and heal. It ain’t all bad folks."

Several of her Scotland teammates joined her in the emotional post, with Rhona Lloyd, Sarah Bonar and Rachael Malcolm all on hand for their close friend.

Wassell had been back on international duty last April following another previous withdrawal when she left the Six Nations squad following the passing of her mum.