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Warning-sign checks

Lacrimal gland 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

    Go to an emergency department for sudden vision loss, severe eye pain with abrupt vision changes, or rapidly worsening swelling that makes it difficult to close the eye.

    These symptoms can threaten sight and may also be caused by conditions other than a tumor.

    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

    If you have already been diagnosed, contact your treatment team promptly if a lump grows, pain becomes persistent, numbness develops, or previous symptoms return.

    New side effects after surgery or radiotherapy also deserve review.

    Seek urgent same-day medical care for a rapid decline in vision, rapidly increasing eye bulging, or worsening pain with new difficulty moving the eye.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine medical or eye assessment if you develop persistent swelling or a lump beneath the outer upper eyelid, gradual eye displacement, unexplained double vision, or continuing pain around one eye.

    These symptoms often have causes other than a tumor, but they should be examined.

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