A persistent chest pain initially attributed to anxiety was actually an advanced-stage cancer. Emma Herring, a 22-year-old woman from Durham, England, received a stage 4 Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis in November 2025 after months of seeking medical attention without a definitive answer. This case highlights the importance of persistent advocacy for one’s health, even when initial assessments offer alternative explanations.
Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer affecting the lymphatic system. In Herring’s case, examinations revealed a seven-centimeter tumor in her chest, a four-centimeter tumor in her neck, and involvement of lymph nodes.
“I knew something wasn’t right,” Herring told British media, recalling the period before her diagnosis. She first sought medical help in April 2025, when she began experiencing chest pain. During the initial evaluation, she was told the discomfort could be related to anxiety.
When the pain persisted, Herring returned for help and went to the emergency room, hoping for an electrocardiogram. However, the test wasn’t performed. A doctor suggested the discomfort might be due to a muscle strain associated with a panic attack, despite Herring not reporting any panic attacks at the time. She does have a history of anxiety.
Months later, a chest X-ray showed a mass in her chest. However, pneumonia was still considered the most likely diagnosis, and she was prescribed antibiotics. The possibility of cancer was initially dismissed, largely due to her young age.
Diagnosis by Phone
With no improvement and her condition worsening, Herring was referred to the University Hospital of North Durham in November for more detailed tests. A CT scan revealed the severity of the situation. The confirmation of stage 4 Hodgkin lymphoma came over the phone. Herring described the moment as the most frightening of her life, adding that receiving the news without in-person support made the impact even more difficult.
Due to the aggressive nature of the disease, chemotherapy began immediately. The initial plan called for four cycles, but it was extended to six throughout her treatment. She is currently in the fifth cycle.
Among the most significant side effects, Herring noted experiencing hair loss just weeks after starting chemotherapy. Another difficult aspect was being unable to freeze her eggs before treatment, as the intervention needed to begin without delay.
Before her diagnosis, Herring was living a healthy life and celebrating personal achievements, such as moving into her own apartment. Now, she says she feels as though her life is “on pause.”
She believes her young age contributed to more serious possibilities being initially dismissed. She decided to share her story as a warning to others. Early detection is crucial for successful cancer treatment, and recognizing potential symptoms is a key step in that process.
*With information from Metrópoles.
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