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Warning-sign checks

Protuberance: 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

    Seek emergency care for an abdominal or groin bulge that becomes suddenly very painful, firm, or impossible to push back, especially with vomiting, a swollen abdomen, or difficulty passing stool or gas.

    Darkening or marked redness of the skin over the bulge is also an emergency sign.

    These symptoms can occur when tissue is trapped in a hernia.

    Call emergency services for a new pulsating abdominal swelling accompanied by severe pain, weakness, or fainting.

    Do not repeatedly press on it.

    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

    Arrange same-day medical care if the protuberance rapidly enlarges or becomes red, hot, and painful, particularly if you have a fever or feel unwell.

    These can be signs of an infection that may need treatment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Book a routine appointment if the area:

    • Remains for more than two weeks
    • Is growing, recurring, painful, hard, or fixed
    • Interferes with movement, clothing, eating, or daily activities
    • Is a new lump in the breast, neck, or testicle

    Routine assessment does not mean that a serious cause is expected.

The article also says

A painless lump may still deserve an examination.

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