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
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services for:
Sudden swelling with chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, or coughing blood
Face or neck swelling that affects breathing or swallowing
Rapidly spreading skin changes with confusion, extreme weakness, or severe illness
These symptoms may have causes other than lymphatic obstruction, but they need immediate evaluation.
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
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek urgent same-day care if the swollen area becomes rapidly more red, warm, painful, or tender, particularly with fever, chills, or feeling unwell.
These may be signs of cellulitis.
Sudden swelling and pain in one leg or arm also need urgent assessment because a blood clot must be considered.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine medical assessment for unexplained swelling that persists, especially if it affects one limb or follows cancer treatment, surgery, radiation, or a significant injury.
New swelling should not automatically be assumed to be lymphatic obstruction.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Lymphatic obstruction. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.