A 19-year-old man from South Wingfield, UK, who visited a dentist for a persistent toothache was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and told he could have had just three weeks to live without treatment.
Ethan Harrison, a forklift driver, had been experiencing pain in his wisdom teeth for about a month before his appointment in May 2026. The dentist noticed a swollen lymph node and immediately referred him to his GP. A blood test confirmed leukaemia, and he was rushed to Chesterfield Royal Hospital for emergency treatment.
His mother, Roxy Bond, 37, said the diagnosis was 'surreal' and 'very unexpected'. She added: 'The team at the hospital said if he hadn't come in he would have only had a few weeks to live.' Ethan had also experienced shortness of breath and a fever, which were attributed to a possible tooth infection.
Ethan is now undergoing chemotherapy and is expected to remain in hospital for about a month. His mother said he has reacted with humour, calling the situation 'an inconvenience'. She said: 'We're a very positive family and he's been brilliant. I'm so proud of how he's handling it.'
