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Warning-sign checks

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors: 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

    Seek emergency care now for:

    • Vomiting blood or passing a large amount of blood
    • Fainting, severe dizziness, confusion, or clammy skin
    • Sudden or severe abdominal pain
    • A rigid or very swollen abdomen
    • Repeated vomiting with inability to pass stool or gas
    • Severe shortness of breath or chest pain
    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

    Contact your treatment team promptly for new black stools, mild bleeding, worsening pain, repeated vomiting, increasing abdominal swelling, or side effects that make it hard to eat, drink, or take medicine.

    These symptoms may indicate major bleeding, obstruction, perforation, or another urgent problem.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment for ongoing abdominal discomfort, unexplained early fullness, persistent nausea, unplanned weight loss, unusual tiredness, or a lasting change in bowel habits.

    These symptoms are often caused by other conditions, but persistent changes need assessment.

    Report new symptoms during follow-up rather than waiting for the next scan.

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