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:
Heavy urinary bleeding, large blood clots, or inability to pass urine
Fainting, severe weakness, or signs of major blood loss
Sudden severe shortness of breath or chest pain
New weakness on one side, difficulty speaking, a seizure, or sudden confusion
A sudden severe headache, especially with vomiting or neurological changes
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 medical assessment if you notice blood in your urine, a persistent lump or pain in your side, unexplained weight loss, or ongoing symptoms that concern you.
These symptoms often have causes other than RCC, but they should not be ignored.
If you already have RCC, contact your cancer team promptly about new or worsening symptoms, treatment side effects, reduced urine output, persistent vomiting, fever after a procedure, or pain that is becoming difficult to control.
Do not wait for a routine follow-up appointment if symptoms are changing.
New severe symptoms or rapidly worsening treatment reactions need more urgent assessment.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up is for planned examinations, blood tests, scans, and stable concerns.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Renal cell carcinoma. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.