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Warning-sign checks

Anaplastic thyroid 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

    Seek emergency care for severe breathing difficulty, sudden inability to swallow saliva, major bleeding, fainting, a seizure, new confusion, or sudden weakness on one side.

    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

    Contact the oncology team promptly for a growing neck mass, new hoarseness, worsening cough, fever during treatment, difficulty keeping down fluids, increasing pain, or changes in breathing or swallowing.

    Do not wait for the next routine appointment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Follow-up is usually more frequent than for slower-growing thyroid cancers.

    The schedule depends on disease extent, treatment, symptoms, and how quickly the cancer is changing.

    After surgery or radiation, follow-up may address voice changes, thyroid hormone replacement, calcium levels, nutrition, and rehabilitation.

    And for anyone, someone who:

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

The article also says

Visits may include a neck examination, review of breathing and swallowing, blood tests, and CT or other imaging.

Targeted therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy require monitoring for treatment-specific effects.

Keep copies of pathology, imaging, and molecular test reports and an updated medication list.

Advance care planning can identify who should make decisions if you cannot speak for yourself and which treatments fit your values.

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