Rare Blood Cancer Diagnosed After Ignored Swollen Lymph Node
A 26-year-old medical student noticed what seemed like a minor issue – a swollen gland in her neck. What followed was a journey to being diagnosed with the rare blood cancer T‑cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-cell ALL) after months of mis-attributed symptoms. Her experience highlights the importance of paying attention when persistent changes occur in your body.
From a Simple Swollen Gland to a Rare Cancer
When Anabel Brenner Schleicher first noticed a swollen lymph node in March, she assumed it was just a reaction to illness. Two weeks later, the gland hadn’t gone down — and new ones appeared down her neck. Routine blood tests returned as “normal,” and an ear-nose-throat specialist told her they weren’t concerned.
Yet the swelling persisted. After about five weeks, an ultrasound was ordered and a lymph-node biopsy followed. Meanwhile, she began noticing bruises on her legs, something she rarely experienced. When bloodwork and a core biopsy were done, a referral to a haematologist/oncologist was made — and the diagnosis of T-cell ALL came in.
In her case, treatment was set to begin on July 31 2025, and she opted to move up her wedding to the day before, so she could “feel like me” in her dress and hair before the intensive therapy. She and her husband moved in with her parents to help manage the medical appointments and recovery period.
Currently (October 2025), she is in the consolidation phase of chemotherapy, followed by interim maintenance and prolonged maintenance — a schedule that may take years before life resembles “normal” again.
Why This Rare Cancer Matters and What T–Cell ALL Means
T-cell ALL is a subtype of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia that affects the T-cell lymphocytes in bone marrow. According to the Cleveland Clinic, ALL begins in the bone marrow and spreads; T-cell type is less common than the B-cell type. (Cleveland Clinic)
Further research shows that for adults and young‐adults, contemporary intensive therapies have improved outcomes — but relapse remains a major risk. (ASH Publications)
Because this type of cancer is aggressive, early recognition of even subtle symptoms is critical. Many initial signs can be dismissed as benign — as in Anabel’s case where a swollen lymph node stood out but was initially ignored.
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Common but Often Overlooked Symptoms
Here are symptoms associated with T-cell ALL that may not raise alarm bells immediately — yet warrant medical attention if persistent:
- Enlarged lymph nodes (neck, underarms, above clavicle) (Cleveland Clinic)
- Unexplained bruising or bleeding (platelet drop) (Leukemia Research Foundation)
- Persistent fatigue, night sweats, unexplained fever (MyHematology)
- Unexplained weight loss, bone pain, chest/abdominal discomfort from organ involvement (Leukemia Research Foundation)
If you have one or more of these and they last longer than two weeks or keep returning, it’s wise to follow up with your healthcare provider.
While it’s true that most swollen lymph nodes or fatigue are not signs of cancer, the difference lies in persistence and change. A symptom that just won’t go away or keeps returning is worth checking. Whether it’s a gland that remains swollen, bruises without cause, or night sweats paired with weight loss — document it and share it with your doctor.
Even if you’re healthy and young, this story reminds us that rare cancers like T-cell ALL may begin with just one subtle sign. Awareness, prompt evaluation, and early action can make a meaningful difference. If you read this and realise you’ve had a similar symptom lingering — don’t wait.
Featured Image Credit: @a_brenn98/TikTok
