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
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services for fainting, confusion, severe breathlessness, or signs of shock such as cold, clammy skin after significant bleeding.
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
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
If you already have FAP, contact your care team promptly about new rectal bleeding, persistent changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, worsening abdominal discomfort, a neck lump, or a new abdominal mass.
These symptoms need assessment but do not automatically mean cancer.
Seek urgent medical help for:
Severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain
Repeated vomiting with a swollen abdomen
Inability to pass stool or gas
Heavy or continuing rectal bleeding
Black, tar-like stools with weakness or dizziness
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine appointment if you have a family history of FAP, multiple bowel polyps, or a relative with a harmful APC gene change.
Genetic assessment may be appropriate even if you feel well.
Routine surveillance should continue even when you feel well.
It is designed to find changes before they cause symptoms.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Familial adenomatous polyposis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.