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Warning-sign checks

Cutaneous t-cell lymphomas: 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 help is also appropriate for trouble breathing, facial or throat swelling, fainting, confusion, or other signs of a severe allergic reaction.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    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 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

    If you have CTCL, contact your care team promptly for:

    • New or rapidly growing skin tumors
    • Increasing redness, pain, swelling, or drainage
    • New enlarged lymph nodes
    • Unexplained fever, night sweats, or weight loss
    • Treatment side effects that are difficult to manage

    Seek urgent medical help for fever with rapidly worsening red, painful, or blistered skin, particularly during treatment.

    This can indicate a serious infection or treatment reaction.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine medical assessment for a persistent unexplained rash, especially if it is spreading, changing, or not improving with treatment.

    Also seek advice for a new skin lump, an open sore that does not heal, or ongoing severe itching.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Cutaneous t-cell lymphomas. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.