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
Seek emergency care for severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, fainting, uncontrolled bleeding, sudden weakness, or other rapidly worsening symptoms.
Follow any emergency instructions provided by your cancer team.
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
Arrange a prompt, routine medical appointment if you notice:
A new skin mark that looks unusual
A mole or spot changing in size, shape, colour, or sensation
A sore that does not heal
Repeated crusting, oozing, or bleeding from a skin lesion
A new dark band beneath a nail without a clear explanation
If you are being treated for melanoma, contact your treatment team urgently about new or worsening symptoms.
This is especially important with immunotherapy because inflammation of healthy organs can become serious if treatment is delayed.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
These changes are usually not an emergency, but they should not be left until a distant routine check.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Melanoma. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.