Evie, a 19-year-old, began to notice symptoms indicative of Hodgkin lymphoma back in 2024 without realising what was happening. Hodgkin lymphoma is a rare type of cancer that emerges in the lymphatic system—this being a network of vessels and glands scattered throughout the body as detailed by NHS information.
Generally, although Hodgkin lymphoma, which is a category of blood cancer, can occur at any age, it predominantly affects those aged 20 to 40. In the UK, approximately 2,100 individuals are diagnosed with the disease on an annual basis.
Typically, the foremost symptom is an enlargement of the lymph nodes in areas such as the neck, armpits or groin, which usually doesn’t involve pain. Despite this, Evie experienced a range of additional symptoms which she initially "dismissed" leading up to her eventual diagnosis.
She's now eager to "share her experience to hopefully show some awareness around Lymphoma".
Extreme fatigue
One significant sign was severe fatigue; despite having ample sleep, Evie found herself needing "at least one nap" to get through the day. She expressed on her TikTok account @evieskill how she was ceaselessly tired.
Frequently unwell
In the period leading up to her diagnosis, Evie continuously felt unwell, resembling the symptoms of a cold—something which she didn't give much consideration to initially.
She recalled: "It was consistent for six months before I realised I had been unwell for so long. I had a sore throat/cough for months".
Dry/itchy skin
Her battle with persistent dry and itchy skin also became troublesome, having to use an excess of body lotion due to her skin feeling perpetually dehydrated, as well as aggravation from constant scratching.
Weight change
Evie shared that her weight would "really quickly" increase and then decrease just as rapidly. She noted: "My weight would fluctuate all the time, but I wasn't changing my diet or routine".
Frequent vomiting
Evie revealed that she would often "throw up constantly in the morning" post meals. However, she initially attributed this symptom to "anxiety for a while".
Low alcohol tolerance
Evie also noticed a change in her alcohol tolerance. She said: "I apologise to my friends for this one. I was extremely drunk after one drink and constantly blacking out on every night out.
"I didn't realise this is a common symptom of Lymphoma."
Neck lump
In August 2024, Evie discovered a "grape-sized lump on her neck. She elaborated: "It was under the skin and only appeared when I coughed.
"This is what made me see my GP and start wondering what was actually wrong with me."
Regular infections
Evie stated: "I had a new throat or chest infection pretty much every week. My immune system was so weak I would pick up any bug so easily.
"I was repeatedly given antibiotics and turned away at the GP, them saying it was just teenage stress and hormones."
Diagnosing Hodgkin lymphoma
The only definitive way to diagnose Hodgkin lymphoma is through a biopsy.
Evie was initially diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma after insisting health professionals perform an ultrasound on the lump in her throat.
She shared her experience, stating: "My bloods showed up pretty much clean, just with some raised white blood cell count, I pushed for an ultrasound on the lump on my throat and then a CT scan which was what finally diagnosed me."
In a further remark within her TikTok video, Evie emphasised: "Me and my mum really just pushed every time they wanted to give more antibiotics because I knew it was more than that. You really have to advocate for yourself in the current healthcare system."
Evie underwent several tests, detailing: "I had an ultrasound, 2 CT scans, 1 PET scan and a biopsy before I got my final diagnosis."
Having commenced treatment in March, Evie is optimistic about being cancer-free come June.
What are the symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma?
According to the NHS, the most common symptom of Hodgkin lymphoma is swelling in the neck, armpit or groin. Although it's unlikely you have cancer if you have this, it's always important to see a doctor.
Other symptoms include:
- Night sweats
- Unintentional weight loss
- High temperature
- Persistent cough
- Persistent itching of the skin
It's important to see a GP if you have symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma, especially if you have persistently swollen glands with no other symptoms.
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, or any other worrying symptoms, it's important to see your GP.
