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Warning-sign checks

Malignant appendical tumor: 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 if you faint, have severe difficulty breathing, become confused, vomit blood or have heavy rectal 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. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek urgent medical help for severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, fever with marked abdominal tenderness, or an increasingly swollen abdomen with an inability to pass stool or gas.

    These can be signs of appendicitis, perforation or bowel obstruction.

    During cancer treatment, follow the urgent-contact instructions provided by your oncology team, especially for fever or signs of infection.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine medical appointment if you have persistent abdominal discomfort, unexplained bloating, a lasting change in bowel habits, reduced appetite or unexplained weight loss.

    These symptoms are more often caused by other conditions, but they deserve assessment if they continue or worsen.

The article also says

If you have already been treated, report new or increasing pain, abdominal swelling, vomiting, difficulty eating, bowel changes or unexplained weight loss.

These symptoms do not necessarily mean the cancer has returned, but they may need investigation.

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