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Warning-sign checks

Hodgkin lymphoma in children: 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

    Call emergency services for severe trouble breathing, blue or grey lips, collapse, a seizure, severe confusion, or rapidly increasing swelling of the face or neck.

    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

    During treatment, contact the child’s cancer team urgently for:

    • A fever at or above the threshold provided by the treatment team
    • Shaking chills or signs of infection
    • New bruising or bleeding
    • Repeated vomiting or inability to drink
    • Much less urine than usual
    • New or worsening pain
    • Unusual sleepiness or confusion

    Do not wait for a routine appointment if the treatment team has advised immediate contact for fever.

    Infection can become serious quickly when white blood cell levels are low.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine medical assessment for a lump that is getting larger, lasts for several weeks or has no clear link to a recent infection.

    Also seek assessment for unexplained fever, drenching night sweats, weight loss or ongoing tiredness.

    These symptoms have many possible causes and do not by themselves mean a child has lymphoma.

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