Kaposi sarcoma: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services for severe trouble breathing, fainting, confusion, blue or grey lips, or 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
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   If you already have Kaposi sarcoma, contact your care team promptly about worsening swelling, increasing pain, ulceration, bleeding, fever, persistent cough, abdominal symptoms, or difficulty eating.

   Seek urgent medical care for coughing blood, vomiting blood, black tar-like stool, or rapidly worsening shortness of breath.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Arrange a routine appointment if you notice a new unexplained purple, red, brown, or dark skin patch that persists, grows, or multiplies.

   You should also seek assessment for a lasting mouth lesion, new limb swelling, or changes in a previously diagnosed lesion.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

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