Tracey Murray had hoped to have children but underwent the radical surgery to remove her womb and ovaries at Salford Royal Hospital because she believed her life was in danger.

When she returned for follow up care medics told her tests had revealed she did not have cancer but was suffering from endometriosis a common condition where cells from the lining of the womb are found elsewhere in the pelvis.

Tracey, a journalist from Wigan, is devastated and says she is struggling to come to terms with the emotional and physical side effects caused by the procedure.

Hospital sources admit the diagnosis was wrong but say the surgery was the right treatment for Ms Murray as she had a very severe case of endometriosis.

Ms Murray, 40, said: "I feel like someone has stolen part of my body from me, I can't come to terms with it.

"I feel devastated physically and emotionally, this operation has totally changed my life and destroys my chances of having children.

"If I had known I was suffering from endometriosis rather than ovarian cancer I would have wanted to try other types of treatment, I would not have had the operation.

"I was told there was no way to check whether I had cancer before the operation but I do not accept that. I don't want anyone else to go through this awful experience."

A spokesperson at Salford Royal Foundation Trust said: "We are unable to provide a full response to the issues that have been raised by Ms Murray, due to patient confidentiality.

"The individual patient is central to any decision that is made about their treatment and care, and we have full confidence that the treatment and care plan for this patient was appropriate.

"We do encourage Ms Murray to engage with Salford Royal, to access the clinical aftercare and support services that we are offering."