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
Seek emergency help for:
Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
Black, tar-like stools
New confusion, marked drowsiness, or difficulty waking
Sudden severe abdominal pain, especially with weakness or fainting
Severe shortness of breath
Heavy bleeding that does not stop
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
Contact the cancer or liver care team promptly for fever, repeated vomiting, rapidly increasing abdominal swelling, reduced urine, worsening jaundice, new treatment side effects, or pain that is not controlled.
These signs can reflect internal bleeding, severe liver dysfunction, infection, or another urgent complication.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a prompt, non-emergency assessment for persistent upper abdominal discomfort, unexplained weight loss, reduced appetite, a new abdominal lump, worsening tiredness, or new jaundice.
People with cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis B should also report new abdominal swelling or a clear change from their usual health.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Hepatocellular carcinoma. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.