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 severe breathing difficulty, fainting, uncontrolled bleeding, rapidly increasing neck swelling, or chest pain and shortness of breath after a chest or lung biopsy.
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 medical advice for:
Bleeding that continues despite firm pressure
Increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or drainage
Fever or worsening pain
New numbness or weakness near the biopsy area
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
For routine advice, contact the team if soreness or bruising is not gradually improving, the lump refills after drainage, or you have questions about dressings, activity, or delayed results.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Needle aspiration biopsy. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.