19-Year-Old Man Shares His Pre-Cancer Symptoms Before Diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin Lymphoma
Raising Awareness about Hodgkin Lymphoma
Cancer can often come with subtle signs that are easy to dismiss, especially when you’re young and healthy. A 19-year-old man, Aaron Delgado, has bravely shared his experience with Hodgkin lymphoma in an effort to raise awareness about the disease and encourage others to seek medical attention if they notice unusual symptoms.
Diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin lymphoma, Aaron’s journey serves as a reminder that cancer can affect anyone, regardless of age. By sharing his story, he hopes to help others recognize the early warning signs of the disease, especially since it’s often easy to overlook the symptoms, which may resemble other less serious health issues.
What is Hodgkin Lymphoma?
Hodgkin lymphoma, also known as Hodgkin’s disease, is a rare cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is part of the body’s immune system. This type of cancer develops in the lymphocytes (white blood cells) and typically affects the lymph nodes, the spleen, bone marrow, and other organs in the body.
According to the NHS, about 2,100 people are diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in the UK each year. Though it is relatively rare, it is also one of the more treatable forms of cancer when detected early.
Hodgkin lymphoma develops in the body's lymphatic system (Getty Stock Images)
To learn more about the disease, check out the NHS page on Hodgkin lymphoma.
Common Symptoms of Hodgkin Lymphoma
Hodgkin lymphoma can be tricky to diagnose because its symptoms are often similar to other illnesses. Some of the most common signs include:
- Night sweats: Excessive sweating, often during the night.
- Unintentional weight loss: Losing weight without any clear reason.
- High temperature (fever): A fever that persists without an obvious cause.
- Persistent cough: A cough that doesn’t go away, especially if it’s accompanied by other symptoms.
- Itching: A persistent itch over your entire body, without a rash.
- Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired and lacking energy, even after rest.
Some people may also experience increased risk of infection or excessive bleeding. Symptoms vary from person to person, which makes it all the more important to listen to your body and see a doctor if something doesn’t feel right.
Aaron Delgado’s Symptoms Before Diagnosis
Aaron Delgado’s TikTok video has gone viral as he shared his experience and symptoms that eventually led to his diagnosis. Below are the symptoms he noticed and how they played a role in his eventual diagnosis of Stage 4 Hodgkin lymphoma.
@aarond_2 Share this with someone who needs it! #hodgkinslymphoma #stage4cancer
1. Swollen Lymph Nodes
The most obvious symptom Aaron noticed was the swelling of a lymph node on the side of his neck. Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands that help filter harmful substances from your body and play a key role in the immune system. When cancer affects these glands, they can become swollen.
Aaron’s swollen lymph node was painless, which is typical for many cases of Hodgkin lymphoma. This is often the first noticeable sign of the disease. However, swollen lymph nodes are not always an indication of cancer. In many cases, they can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection, such as a cold or the flu.
Aaron shared his experience on TikTok, urging others to get swollen lymph nodes checked out, regardless of whether they are painful or not. Check out his TikTok here.
2. Increased Tiredness and Fatigue
Another symptom Aaron experienced was fatigue. He noticed that he was getting more tired after playing basketball or football and even after simple workouts at the gym. “At first, it wasn’t very noticeable, but as the cancer progressed, it became harder to ignore,” Aaron explained.
Many people often attribute fatigue to a lack of sleep or overexertion, but persistent tiredness that doesn’t go away with rest can be a warning sign of cancer. In Aaron’s case, the fatigue was linked to his body’s fight against the disease.
3. Chest Tightness and Pain
Another symptom Aaron experienced was chest tightness, which is common in people whose Hodgkin lymphoma affects the chest area. Aaron had two tumors in his chest, and they were causing strain, particularly while sleeping or engaging in daily activities.
He described the chest tightness as a feeling that something was definitely wrong. This symptom was particularly troubling because it affected his ability to do normal activities without feeling breathless or discomforted. If the lymphoma spreads to the chest area, it can cause pressure around the lungs or heart, which leads to tightness or difficulty breathing.
4. Normal Blood Cell Count
While many assume that cancer will show up in blood tests through abnormal white or red blood cell counts, Aaron’s experience was different. “Most people think that blood cancer has to be evident in blood tests, but that’s not always the case,” he said. Despite undergoing several tests, Aaron’s blood count was normal for a long time, which delayed his diagnosis.
This is an important lesson for people who may think that “normal” blood tests rule out cancer. Hodgkin lymphoma can exist even when blood work appears normal, which is why a full medical evaluation is crucial.
How Aaron’s Story is Raising Awareness
Aaron Delgado has used his platform to encourage others to listen to their bodies and seek medical attention if they notice unusual symptoms. His TikTok videos and personal story have brought attention to the early signs of Hodgkin lymphoma, potentially helping many people catch the disease in its earlier stages.
Aaron shared his symptoms in order to raise awareness about the cancer (TikTok/aarond_2)
“I just want to help raise awareness so that people can catch this early and not wait as long as I did,” Aaron shared in his viral post. “Don’t ignore symptoms, and always get things checked out if something doesn’t feel right.”
By speaking out, Aaron has joined the ranks of many cancer survivors and advocates who use their voices to educate the public about early detection and the importance of regular check-ups.
Join the Conversation: Social Media Reactions
Aaron’s video has sparked a conversation on social media about the importance of health awareness. People are sharing their own stories and supporting Aaron’s message. One user, @KaraWilson, commented:
“Thank you for sharing your story, Aaron. I had similar symptoms but never thought to get checked. I will definitely make an appointment now.”
Another user, @Mark_Roberts wrote:
“You’ve saved lives by speaking up. This hits close to home—never thought a swollen lymph node could mean something so serious.”
These kinds of comments are flooding social media, as people begin to take their health concerns more seriously.
Check out Aaron’s TikTok and other comments on his TikTok page.
Conclusion: The Importance of Early Detection
Aaron Delgado’s experience is a powerful reminder that young people can also develop cancer, and early detection is crucial in improving the chances of successful treatment. Although Aaron’s diagnosis came with challenges, his courage to share his symptoms has the potential to help others seek medical attention before it’s too late.
If you’re noticing any of the symptoms described in this article—such as swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, chest tightness, or unexplainable weight loss—don’t wait. Make sure to consult with a healthcare professional to rule out serious conditions like Hodgkin lymphoma.
To learn more about the disease and its symptoms, visit the Hodgkin lymphoma page on the NHS website.
Featured Image Credit: TikTok/aarond_2/ Getty Stock Images
