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Warning-sign checks

Burkitt lymphoma: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Emergency symptoms such as trouble breathing, a seizure, sudden weakness, severe abdominal pain, uncontrolled bleeding, or confusion require immediate care.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Do not wait for a scheduled visit if symptoms return or a new mass grows rapidly.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    During treatment, follow-up is frequent.

    It commonly includes physical examinations, blood tests, and assessments for infection, tumor lysis, treatment side effects, and organ function.

    Imaging may be repeated at planned points to measure the lymphoma's response.

    Routine imaging practices vary, so patients should ask whether follow-up will rely mainly on symptoms and examinations or include scheduled scans.

    Routine follow-up is also a time to review vaccinations, fertility, emotional health, school or work needs, heart health, and other possible late effects.

    Live vaccines may be unsafe during significant immune suppression, so vaccination plans should be discussed with the treating team.

The article also says

After treatment, visits become less frequent over time.

The care team may ask about new lumps, fever, night sweats, weight loss, pain, abdominal symptoms, nerve changes, and recovery from treatment.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Burkitt lymphoma. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.