Model Reveals Stage 3 Lymphoma Diagnosis After Ignoring Persistent Cough

A 30-year-old Chinese model and influencer, Xu Yisha, has revealed her recent diagnosis of stage 3 lymphoma after initially dismissing a persistent cough and other symptoms for months. Her story serves as a crucial reminder to prioritize health and seek medical attention promptly.

Initial Symptoms and Delayed Diagnosis

Xu Yisha, also known as Yi Li Xiao Sha Zi, first noticed a cough in late 2025. She also experienced pain in her armpit area and discomfort in her ribs. Initially, she opted for traditional Chinese medicine, including acupuncture and herbal remedies, but saw limited improvement. Need to Know reports that in January 2026, after two months of continuous coughing and increasingly severe rib pain, she sought emergency medical care fearing a broken rib.

A CT scan revealed shadows in her lungs and enlarged lymph nodes under her armpits. Further examination led to a diagnosis of stage 3 nodular sclerosis classical Hodgkin lymphoma. Xu Yisha has since paused her work and begun chemotherapy.

Hodgkin Lymphoma: An Overview

Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, a network of vessels and nodes that are part of the body’s immune system. Classical Hodgkin lymphoma is characterized by the presence of specific cells called Reed-Sternberg cells.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification, classical Hodgkin lymphoma is categorized into four subtypes:

• Nodular sclerosis type
• Mixed cell type
• Lymphocyte-rich type
• Lymphocyte-depleted type

Nodular sclerosis is the most common subtype, accounting for approximately 60-70% of all classical Hodgkin lymphoma cases. It is particularly prevalent in late adolescence and young adults in their 20s and 30s. Common initial symptoms include painless lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes). Some patients may also experience systemic symptoms, often referred to as “B symptoms,” such as unexplained fever, night sweats, and significant weight loss (more than 10% of body weight over six months). Enlarged lymph nodes in the chest can also cause respiratory symptoms like coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.

Hodgkin Lymphoma in Korea: Current Statistics

Data released by the Central Cancer Registry Headquarters in 2026 indicates that in 2023, there were 6,465 new cases of malignant lymphoma (including both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma) in Korea, representing 2.2% of all cancers. Of these, 356 cases were Hodgkin lymphoma and 6,109 were non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Malignant lymphoma is slightly more common in men, particularly non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The highest incidence of lymphoma occurs in individuals in their 60s (25.8%), followed by those in their 70s (21.4%) and 50s (17.2%). In 2023, 143 cases of nodular sclerosing classic Hodgkin lymphoma were reported.

Xu Yisha’s Message and Importance of Early Detection

Xu Yisha shared her experience with her over 11 million followers, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing health. She stated, “I thought it wouldn’t be a serious illness because I was young, so I put off going to the hospital… I hope you take care of your body and stay healthy.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What are the most common early symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma?

The most common symptom is painless lymphadenopathy, often felt as a lump in the neck, armpits, or collarbone area. Some individuals may also develop systemic symptoms like fever, night sweats, and weight loss.

Q2. Can coughing or rib pain also be symptoms of lymphoma?

While not typical early symptoms, coughing and rib pain can occur if enlarged lymph nodes in the chest or lesions in the mediastinal area put pressure on surrounding organs.

Q3. Is stage 3 Hodgkin lymphoma treatable?

Classical Hodgkin lymphoma generally responds well to chemotherapy, even in advanced stages. Long-term survival is often achievable with appropriate treatment.