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Warning-sign checks

Soft tissue sarcoma: 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

    Call emergency services for severe breathing difficulty, collapse, uncontrolled bleeding, or sudden chest pain.

    These symptoms can have several causes, but they need immediate assessment.

    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

    Arrange a routine appointment promptly if you notice a new lump that is growing, deep, firm, around 5 centimetres or larger, or has returned after removal.

    Persistent unexplained swelling, pain, abdominal fullness, or reduced movement also needs assessment.

    Do not wait for the next routine appointment if you have been advised to report them sooner.

    Seek urgent medical care for:

    • Rapidly worsening swelling or severe pain
    • A limb that becomes pale, cold, very swollen, or weak
    • Repeated vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
    • New shortness of breath or coughing up blood
    • Heavy bleeding from a tumor or surgical wound
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    If you have been treated for sarcoma, contact your follow-up team about a new lump, increasing pain, unexplained weight loss, a persistent cough, new breathlessness, or symptoms that do not settle.

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