22-year-old Esha Adikeshava, a TikTok content creator known for her beauty, fashion, and cultural commentary, experienced a surprising turn of events when a seemingly ordinary video led to a potential health concern being identified by her followers. Adikeshava’s experience highlights the power of online communities and the potential for social media platforms to facilitate real-world health interventions.
Adikeshava regularly posts videos on TikTok discussing topics ranging from beauty tips to her experiences as a South Asian-American woman in Texas. In December 2023, a video she shared about hair oiling after a workout unexpectedly garnered attention for a reason entirely unrelated to its intended content. Commenters began pointing out a visible lump in her neck, urging her to have her thyroid checked.
Initially hesitant, Adikeshava was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of comments and direct messages expressing concern. Nursing students and individuals who had undergone thyroid surgery shared their personal stories, emphasizing the importance of seeking medical advice. Even Adikeshava’s parents, who also follow her on TikTok, were taken aback by the online community’s collective response.
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Esha Adikeshava’s selfie that prompted concern from her TikTok followers.
Motivated by the outpouring of support and concern, Adikeshava scheduled an appointment with her doctor, sharing the TikTok video and comments during the consultation. The medical professionals were reportedly surprised by the unusual circumstances that led to the visit, acknowledging the positive impact of the online community’s vigilance.
Following bloodwork and an ultrasound, Adikeshava learned that she had three nodules on her thyroid. While initially apprehensive about the results, she expressed gratitude to her followers for potentially saving her life. In a follow-up TikTok video, she revealed the diagnosis and thanked the community for their concern and support.
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Esha Adikeshava credits the TikTok community for encouraging her to seek medical attention.
Adikeshava subsequently underwent a biopsy, which confirmed that the nodules were benign. This positive outcome further solidified her belief in the unique power of the TikTok community. She emphasized that the personal connection fostered on the platform, where users often address each other as “besties,” contributed to the genuine concern and direct communication that ultimately led to her seeking medical attention. Adikeshava believes that the same level of engagement and personal interaction might not have occurred on other social media platforms. Her story serves as a testament to the potential for online communities to provide support, raise awareness, and even facilitate life-saving interventions.
