Young, athletic gym enthusiast, aged 22, who was diagnosed with anemia, attributed his back pain to prolonged sitting - a symptom unknowingly signaling a deadly form of cancer.
Lara Muller, a young woman from an unspecified location, has bravely shared her personal experience with Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, in a bid to raise awareness and encourage others to push for medical attention if they feel unwell.
Muller's journey began with symptoms attributed to anaemia and back pain due to her new office job. However, as her symptoms worsened, she returned multiple times to her General Practitioner (GP) for a second, third, and fourth opinion.
In December 2024, Muller developed a chest infection and back pain. A mass was discovered in her chest during a CT scan. Her condition deteriorated further in March 2025, when she started coughing up blood. An X-ray and emergency CT scan followed, leading to an urgent booking for further investigations.
The results confirmed Muller's worst fears – she was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. The disease, which mostly affects people between 20 and 40 years of age and those over 75, occurs when B-lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, start to multiply in an abnormal way and collect in certain parts of the lymphatic system.
Since her diagnosis, Muller has been undergoing chemotherapy and has completed her second round. Despite the challenges, she remains determined to spread awareness about the common symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma.
These symptoms include painless swelling of lymph nodes, especially in the neck, chest, or underarm areas; persistent or recurrent fevers; night sweats that may drench clothes and bedding; unexplained weight loss, often more than 10% of body weight over six months; fatigue that persists despite rest; itchy skin without a rash; and enlargement of the spleen or liver.
Muller emphasises the importance of trusting one's instincts and seeking medical attention if these symptoms are present, especially persistently. She urges patients to be persistent, just as she was, in seeking a second or third opinion if they feel unwell.
Common risk factors for Hodgkin lymphoma include a family history of the disease, infection with Epstein-Barr virus, age (most common in early adulthood and late adulthood), male gender (slightly higher incidence), and a weakened immune system.
Muller's story serves as a reminder of the importance of early recognition and diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma. If these symptoms are present, medical consultation is strongly advised for diagnosis and management.
[1] National Cancer Institute. (2021). Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version. [2] American Cancer Society. (2021). Hodgkin Lymphoma: Stages. [3] Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. (2021). Hodgkin Lymphoma. [4] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Hodgkin lymphoma. [5] Cancer Research UK. (2021). Hodgkin lymphoma: diagnosis.
- Lara Muller's journey with Hodgkin lymphoma, a form of blood cancer, highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing symptoms early, such as painless swelling of lymph nodes, persistent fevers, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, itchy skin, and enlargement of the spleen or liver, in the realm of health-and-wellness.
- Mental health plays a crucial role in the fight against cancer, and Muller's determination to spread awareness about Hodgkin lymphoma is a testament to the power of fitness-and-exercise and a positive mindset in managing medical-conditions like cancer.
- Furthermore, understanding common risk factors for Hodgkin lymphoma, such as a family history of the disease, infection with Epstein-Barr virus, age, gender, and a weakened immune system, is essential for early detection and timely treatment, contributing significantly to the field of science and the overall health-and-wellness of individuals.
