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Warning-sign checks

Nasopharyngeal cancer: 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 breathing difficulty, heavy bleeding that will not stop, collapse, or a sudden neurological problem such as loss of movement or consciousness.

    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 rapidly worsening swallowing, dehydration, a sudden major change in eyesight, new facial weakness, or bleeding that is difficult to control.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine medical appointment for an unexplained neck lump or persistent symptoms such as one-sided nasal blockage, repeated nosebleeds, reduced hearing in one ear, or blood-stained nasal discharge.

    These symptoms often have causes other than cancer, but they should be assessed if they do not settle.

    If you have already been treated, contact your cancer team about a new lump, worsening swallowing, persistent new pain, unexplained weight loss, or symptoms that return between planned follow-up visits.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has noticed a lump, a mole that has changed, or unexplained weight loss

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