Twitch streamer HAchubby has revealed she has been diagnosed with aggressive mature B-cell lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, after travelling to South Korea for treatment. The content creator shared the diagnosis in an update on X on 8 November, saying her stage and outlook were still unclear and that she needed further hospital tests.

The announcement followed an emotional livestream on 4 November, when HAchubby told viewers doctors had diagnosed her with cancer. She later cancelled plans to attend TwitchCon and said she would return to Korea to receive care. She has since confirmed that she arrived safely and planned to begin treatment there.

HAchubby Says Earlier Pain Lasted for Years

In a subsequent account of her diagnosis, HAchubby said she first experienced pain in one specific area around three years ago. It would usually fade after a few days, so she did not immediately pursue a full medical assessment.

She said the pain became stronger and lasted for about a month several months ago. After seeking medical help, she underwent imaging. She credited fellow streamer QuQco, who accompanied her, with encouraging her to have a second scan offered by the imaging centre. HAchubby said that scan revealed the problem and led to a same-day biopsy recommendation.

She also described difficulties accessing care without insurance, saying some hospitals turned her away because she was paying out of pocket. These details are her account of the events and have not been independently confirmed.

B-Cell Lymphoma Affects White Blood Cells

Lymphoma is a cancer that begins in lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell involved in the immune system. B cells are lymphocytes that help the body recognise and fight infections. B-cell lymphomas develop when these cells grow abnormally.

There are different forms of lymphoma, and their behaviour varies. HAchubby identified her diagnosis as aggressive mature B-cell lymphoma, although she has not disclosed a more specific subtype. Aggressive lymphomas are fast-growing forms of the disease, although their behaviour and response to treatment vary by subtype. HAchubby has not yet disclosed her specific stage or prognosis.

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Warning Signs Can Be Easy to Overlook

The most common sign of non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a painless swelling of the lymph nodes, often in the neck, armpit or groin. Other possible symptoms include unexplained fever, drenching night sweats, persistent fatigue, unexplained weight loss, itching and shortness of breath.

Symptoms depend on where lymphoma develops and how it affects the body. Some people may experience pain or pressure in the chest, abdomen or bones. However, these signs can also have many other causes and do not automatically indicate cancer.

The NHS advises people to seek medical advice if they notice possible symptoms. A persistent or unexplained lump should be checked, particularly if it does not go away.

Biopsy Helps Confirm the Diagnosis

Doctors use several tests to investigate suspected lymphoma, including physical examinations, blood tests and imaging scans. A biopsy, in which a sample of tissue or part or all of an affected lymph node is examined in a laboratory, is generally needed to confirm the diagnosis and identify the lymphoma type.

Further scans and tests help determine the stage and guide treatment. The treatment plan depends on the exact subtype, stage and the person's overall health.

HAchubby has said she will undergo further tests in Korea and hopes to continue streaming during treatment. For now, she has not shared a confirmed stage or prognosis.

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