At the age of 18, Nadia Hobbs began experiencing pain in the back of her mouth. Since she was around the age when wisdom teeth typically grow in, she initially thought that was the cause behind her symptoms.
But as days passed, the pain only worsened for the childcare student from Exeter, UK. To ease the discomfort, Nadia began massaging her cheek on the tender area — and that's when she found a pea-sized lump on her jawline.
The lump kept growing in size until it was as big a gobstopper candy. However, blood tests ruled out mumps and glandular fever. Dentists were also mystified and confirmed her wisdom teeth were not the problem.
Nadia's mother Rachel still knew something wasn't right. She took Nadia straight to the emergency room.
By the time the worried teenager could no longer smile, she was referred to a specialist.
Scroll down to discover Nadia's terrifying diagnosis, and to hear her warning for people everywhere…
Nadia Hobbs, 18, began suffering pain in her mouth. At first, she thought it was just her wisdom teeth growing in.
To help ease the discomfort, Nadia gently massaged her jawline — and that's when she felt a pea-sized lump.
As the days passed, the lump grew in size. Her worried mother knew something was terribly wrong, but blood tests were able to rule out mumps and glandular fever.
Doctors and dentists alike were baffled.
The lump grew to the size of a gobstopper and one day the pain became so excruciating she could barely smile.
Nadia's mother, Rachel, took her straight to the ER. An MRI scan revealed the true extent of the huge mass.
The teenager was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a very rare and very aggressive and form of cancer in the body's soft tissues.
'I'd always been completely healthy before my diagnosis, I was applying for university and really happy with my life.
Because of Rachel's steadfast attitude, Nadia's cancer was caught within eight weeks.
"I don't know what I'd do without my mum, I never thought I would get cancer and thanks to her I got the diagnosis I needed sooner rather than later," she says.
As treatment began, Nadia was absolutely terrified. Everyone was shocked by how large the mass actually was.
After seven rounds of intense chemotherapy, Nadia's tumor has shrunk by 75 percent.
She says the hardest part of the treatment was losing her hair. When it started falling out, Nadia decided to shave her head and has since embraced wearing a wig.
Nadia also credits her boyfriend, Callum, who has remained by her side.
After beginning a five-week program of radioation, Nadia says she "can just about see the finish line."
She is now sharing her story in an effort to spread awareness about the disease. She wants to encourage people to see their doctor if they experience out-of-the-ordinary symptoms. Any lump or swelling in the body is a cause for concern.
Today, Nadia is taking part in the RockSolid Race, fundraising for the Teenage Cancer Trust.
Please SHARE Nadia's story with your friends on Facebook, and help spread awareness about early detection.
