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Warning-sign checks

Neuroblastoma: 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

    Emergency assessment is also appropriate for severe breathing difficulty, collapse, a seizure, or a child who is very difficult to wake.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    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 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 new weakness, difficulty walking, severe back pain, or new loss of bladder or bowel control.

    These can be signs that a tumor is pressing on the spinal cord.

    Follow the oncology team’s exact temperature threshold and contact instructions immediately.

    Do not wait for a routine appointment.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has a new severe headache unlike any they have had before
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a medical assessment if your child has a persistent or growing lump, unexplained abdominal swelling, ongoing bone pain, a new limp, unusual tiredness, unexplained bruising, or symptoms that continue or worsen.

    These symptoms do not necessarily mean neuroblastoma, but they should be checked.

    For non-urgent concerns during treatment or follow-up, such as reduced appetite, mild pain, sleep problems, or school difficulties, contact the regular cancer care team.

    These issues often have practical treatments and support options.

The article also says

During cancer treatment, fever can be a sign of a serious infection when infection-fighting blood cells are low.

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